Delas Freres Cote-Rotie "La Landonne" 2022
(Northern Rhone, France) - [JS 97] [VM 95] [WS 95] [WA 94]

About This Wine:
This very ancient region dates back to the Roman Era and is located on the right bank of the Rhône. The steep, terraced hillsides along the river produce wines that are among the "biggest" reds of France.

The Delas Côte-Rôtie is primarily Syrah, to which a little Viognier is traditionally added. Delas Freres oversees the grapes that are grown in the Côte Brune, Côte Blonde and Côte Tupin-Semons areas. It is said that during the Middle Ages, the Seigneur de Maugiron gave his vineyards as a dowry to his two daughters, one blond, and the other brunette. Wines from the Côte Blonde tend to be more delicate and lighter in character than the fuller wines of the Côte Brune. Together they make a wine of style and substance.

Winemaking:
The grapes for the "La Landonne" cuvée are picked by hand at maximum maturity. Fermentation takes place in traditional open-topped concrete tanks, followed by three days of pre-fermentation cold maceration. Before fermentation, the maceration process continues under controlled temperatures of 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C). Daily cap pushing down and pumping over are carried out for 12 days with total vatting time of up to 20 days. After devatting and pressing, malolactic fermentation takes place in oak casks. The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months, 100% in new oak casks. The barrels are topped up regularly.

97 Points - James Suckling:
A very elegant expression of the Cote Brune section of this appellation, with stunning concentration, masses of super-silky tannins and fantastic tension. That drives the extremely long finish, which is as pointed and bright as a flashing fencing sword. Yes, this is a full-bodied wine, but you hardly think about the body. A pure syrah that was matured 100% in Burgundian oak casks for 15 months. Drink from release.

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne bursts with black cherry, rose petal, crushed rock and black pepper notes, further laced with hints of licorice and graphite. Medium- to full-bodied, the 2022 balances power with flawless elegance. Ripe tannins frame its complex palate, leading to a long, expansive finish. This is a compelling La Landonne of pedigree and class. (Drink between 2026-2037)" (1/25)


95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark, brooding and sultry, with textural intrigue behind flavors of smoked cherry, black currant and mocha enrobed in toasty oak. There's a flash of mesquite on the slightly chewy palate, solidly grounded by bolts of iron. Salty and complex, with incense and dried violet notes echoing on the substantial finish, which will unwind with a few years in the bottle. Best from 2026 through 2035. 400 cases made, 40 cases imported." (12/24)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Notes of licorice, cedar and smoke preface the 2022 Cote Rotie La Landonne, a slightly austere, introverted Côte-Rôtie that is medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with a linear texture framed by a fresh, fleshy mid-palate and bright acids. It concludes with a firm, oaky, spicy finish. The underlying character of the soil is present but restrained, leaning toward a gently woody style that somewhat mutes its natural expression. Crafted by Jacques Grange and his team, this wine has the potential to age gracefully. It would benefit from additional time in the cellar to fully express itself. 2024-2040." (2/25)