Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes‑Hermitage 2022
A refined Northern Rhône Syrah with dark berry fruit, subtle spice, and savoury depth. Structured, elegant, and distinctly regional.
Delas Frères, founded in 1835 in the heart of the Northern Rhône, has become a benchmark name for elegant Syrah-driven wines. While part of the Champagne Louis Roederer group since 1993, Delas remains family-spirited and terroir-focused, crafting wines from hillside granite slopes and alluvial terraces around Tain-l’Hermitage with precision and regional authenticity
Les Launes is sourced from the northernmost “Chassis” sector of Crozes-Hermitage - where granite soils blend onto loess and old Rhône terraces - making it emblematic of the appellation’s varied terroir . The wine is produced from 100% Syrah, hand-harvested, fully destemmed, and fermented in open concrete vats at controlled temperatures ~28–32 °C. After malolactic fermentation in tank, approximately 20% is aged in French oak barrels, with the remaining 80% in stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit aromas.
A classic Northern Rhône Syrah, showcasing the depth of Crozes‑Hermitage but at excellent value. Whether for grilling, dining with friends, or starting your Rhône tasting journey, it’s a standout example of classic Crozes-Hermitage at its best.
France
Côtes du Rhône
Syrah
750ml
13%
2022Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage is produced in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley, an area known for producing expressive and approachable Syrah. The vineyards sit on a mix of granite slopes and alluvial plains surrounding the famous Hermitage hill, giving wines a balance of fruit, structure, and freshness.
The wine is made entirely from Syrah, the signature grape of the Northern Rhône. In this cooler-climate setting, Syrah develops a more lifted and savoury profile compared to warmer regions, often showing dark fruit alongside pepper, spice, and subtle earthy notes.
“Les Launes” is a cuvée from Delas Frères, a historic Rhône producer with roots dating back to 1835. The house is known for producing wines that combine regional typicity with precision and balance, and this bottling reflects a focus on fruit purity and structured elegance rather than heavy extraction.
A dry, medium- to full-bodied red that leans toward structure and savoury complexity rather than richness or sweetness. It has firm but well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity, giving it a more serious and food-oriented profile.
The wine feels composed and balanced, with enough depth to satisfy experienced red wine drinkers, yet still approachable compared to more powerful Northern Rhône crus. It sits stylistically between lighter, fruit-driven reds and more intense Syrah expressions.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with violet reflections.
- Nose: Black cherry, blackberry, violet, pepper, and subtle earth.
- Palate: Dark fruit layered with spice and savoury depth.
- Texture: Medium to full-bodied with structured tannins.
- Finish: Long, fresh, and gently peppery.
- Overall Impression: A classic Crozes-Hermitage that delivers the hallmark balance of Syrah — fruit, spice, and savoury complexity in a refined and food-friendly style.
- Grilled Lamb – Peppery spice complements rich, savoury meat.
- Beef Stew or Braised Dishes – Structure suits slow-cooked depth.
- Duck Breast – Balances richness with freshness and acidity.
- Mushroom Dishes – Earthy flavours echo savoury notes.
- Aged Cheeses – Firm cheeses match tannin structure.
- Serve at 16–18°C to allow full expression of aromatics and structure.
- Decant for 30–60 minutes to soften tannins and open complexity.
- Use a large red wine glass to enhance aromatics and texture.
- Enjoy now with decanting, or cellar for 6–10 years to allow further development.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
