2018 Delas Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Haute Pierre

Brand	Delas Freres
Region	Rhone Valley
Varietal	Grenache Syrah
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2018
Country	France

Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to "The Pope's new castle" and, indeed, the history of this appellation is firmly entwined with papal history. It has a heavenly touch. The vineyards are magical, with large boulders littered everywhere, absorbing the sun's rays, only to radiate the heat back up into the vines. There are 13 permissible varieties in this appellation, white and red and they are often fermented together, adding to the complexity of the wines. Having said that, this is a blend of Grenache (90%) and Syrah (10%), co-fermented, 20 days on skins, pressed, and to barrel.

the nose exudes backed cherries, strawberries and raspberries with forest floor notes, spice, red liquorice, and sandalwood.

surprisingly for a Grenache dominant wine, the tannins are strongly present giving structure, power, and excitement to the wine. The tannins are finely chiselled, harnessing the richly coated fruit, where red berry flavours are intertwined with spice and a savoury complexity. Compelling on every level. There is the fruit weight and structure to last, 10years+ in a temperature-controlled cellar. If you can resist that is…