Delas Freres Clos Boucher Condrieu 2018  £55.95

Delas Freres Clos Boucher Condrieu 2018

Delas Frères grows 30 hectares of vines comprising 10 hectares in the Hermitage AOC, 2 hectares in Saint-Joseph AOC and 18 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage. 

In addition to the grapes produced by Delas' own wine growing team, Delas' close relationships with like-minded owner-wine growers ensure that the company is able to source grapes grown on individual parcels, which reflect their own unique terroir.

"Clos Boucher" is a single vineyard wine with a maximum production of 6,000 bottles in the best years. The grapes are grown exclusively in a south-facing parcel near the famous Château Grillet. This AOC covers just 168 hectares and produces complex and delicately aromatic wines from the Viognier varietal.

This cuvée is the result of a plot selection. The grapes come exclusively from the "Clos Boucher" vineyards, which enjoys southern exposure, just like the famous Château Grillet, its closest neighbour.

Condrieu "Clos Boucher" is light gold in colour, with some deeper golden tinges. Its nose shows deep aromas that are reminiscent of exotic fruit and crystallised peach. This is a very concentrated wine which produces a lots of intense, ripe flavours on the palate. Its smooth texture is enhanced by a subtle touch of oak, which gives it an added dimension and distinctive character.

94 Points RobertParker.com

While the 2018 Condrieu Clos Boucher isn't the most dramatically perfumed Condrieu, it's dramatic and opulent, loaded with honeyed apricot, peach and pineapple fruit. Full-bodied and rich, it nonetheless finishes with admirable energy, gingery spice and a lingering, crushed-stone note. Drink it over the next few years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Reviewed by Joe Czerwinski