2017 Hermitage, Ligne de Crête, Les Grandes Vignes, Delas Frères, Rhône
- Anna Lee C. Iijima
- 95/100
- Joe Czerwinski
- 97/100
Founded in the mid-19th century, Maison Delas Frères built its reputation on meticulous viticulture and a deep respect for Rhône terroir. Its acquisition by Champagne House Deutz in 1977 marked the start of a new chapter, bringing fresh investment and renewed ambition. When Deutz was absorbed by Louis Roederer in 1993, the domaine gained access to the expertise, global reach, and resources of one of France’s most respected wine families. Today, this connection allows Delas to remain a boutique-scale operation while benefitting from the technical precision and quality control associated with Roederer’s Champagne heritage. The result is a range of wines that retain an artisanal touch but meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Maison Delas’ vineyards are situated on the steep granite slopes of the northern Rhône, where meticulous handwork and low yields are essential to achieving concentration and balance. The domaine holds prized plots in some of the most prestigious appellations — including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Côte Rôtie, and Condrieu — where terroir expression is paramount. To complement this, long-term partnerships with select southern Rhône growers in areas such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Côtes-du-Ventoux provide access to additional premium fruit. These enduring relationships ensure consistent quality and stylistic integrity across the portfolio. Under the guidance of Burgundian-born winemaker Jacques Grange, each cuvée is crafted to highlight elegance, aromatic purity, and flavour intensity, securing critical acclaim for recent vintages.