Delas 2023 Saint-Esprit Cotes-Du-Rhone Rouge

Delas 2023 Saint-Esprit Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge is a vibrant and expressive southern Rhône blend that delivers generous fruit, lively spice, and smooth structure at an exceptional value. Bold yet balanced, it’s a wine that pairs beautifully with food or stands confidently on its own. Professional critics have praised its ripe red and dark fruit character, silky tannins, and seamless drinkability — making it one of the standout Côtes-du-Rhône releases of the vintage.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Delas Frères, one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected houses, the Saint-Esprit Rouge draws on fruit grown across well-situated vineyards in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation.

Key production highlights:

• Varietal Composition: Primarily Grenache and Syrah, with Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties adding depth, spice, and nuance.

• Terroir: Mixed alluvial and limestone soils encourage bright fruit and structural balance.

• Winemaking: Traditional vinification techniques capture varietal expression, with controlled temperature fermentations and gentle extraction.

• Blending & Aging: A thoughtful oak regimen — usually neutral or lightly seasoned barrels — supports fruit character without overwhelming it.

This combination results in a classic Rhône red that’s juicy, spicy, and versatile.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Professional reviewers consistently commend the 2023 Delas Saint-Esprit Rouge for its balance of fruit intensity, charm, and value:

• James Suckling — 93 / 100
  Suckling highlights ripe cherry and blackberry fruit, lively pepper spice, and a polished finish with supple tannins. His score reflects both quality and drinkability.

• Wine Enthusiast — 92 / 100
  Wine Enthusiast praises the wine’s expressive fruit core, balanced acidity, and aromatic complexity, noting nuances of red plum, Mediterranean herbs, and light oak spice.

• Vinous — 91 / 100
  Vinous reviewers focus on its bright red and dark fruit presence, smooth texture, and peppery undertones, describing it as a refined and approachable Rhône red.

Across critics, the consensus places this wine firmly in the low-to-mid-90s category — strong for its appellation and vintage, with both immediate appeal and solid food-friendly versatility.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Enticing aromas of ripe cherry, red currant, and raspberry are accented by Mediterranean herbs, cracked black pepper, and gentle spice. Subtle notes of violet, dried thyme, and dusty earth add complexity.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and lively. Red cherry and plum lead, followed by layers of raspberry, allspice, and peppercorn. Silky tannins and refreshing acidity provide lift and pacing, while hints of cedar, dried herbs, and mineral undertones enrich the mid-palate.

Finish:
Clean, smooth, and inviting. Lingering red fruit and peppery spice fade into a balanced, nuanced close with pleasant warmth and finesse.

Quick Overview