Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph “Cuvee Francois de Tournon” Rhone Red, France.
This polished and fruit driven Syrah has lots of Cotie-Rotie like character and is a wonderful Saint-Joseph with gobs of black fruit, blueberry compote and sweet tannins with just a touch of volatile acidity. There is a nice seaweed, saline and spicy edge to go with the rich boysenberry, blackberry and cassis layers making for a balanced wine, even if I was looking for a bit more mineral and maybe a touch of violets, this is a really good wine and one that has plenty of time to find itself and develop more complexities. Touches of black pepper and bitter chocolate come through with some air and everything settles into where it should be. Don’t let my personal impatience stand your way as this wine is a steal for its quality and focus, and I can admit I’ll be getting a few more bottles myself if I can find them! With Parker’s huge ratings for 2009 Northern Rhone wines has started a craze for Delas and many others wines like this one are going to be harder to find, so get them while you can. Delas Freres also makes some fantastic entry level reds, especially their Cotes Du Ventoux which I have been buying for more than 10 years, and a fine basic Cotes du Rhone Rouge, plus they made tasty whites too.
($32-40 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
Avail. at www.sfwtc.com
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