The 2020 Delas Freres Crozes Hermitage le Clos is a Syrah wine hailing from the Northern Rhone region of France. This red wine has garnered substantial praise from multiple reputable sources.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Joe Czerwinski, awarded the wine 93 points. Czerwinski described it as featuring "notes of black cherries and raspberries accented by hints of cedar and vanilla." He emphasized its full-bodied nature, rich and silky texture, and noted the long, tart finish, calling it "very promising stuff."
Vinous, led by Josh Raynolds, was particularly impressed, giving the wine a score of 95 points. Raynolds highlighted the wine's "glass-staining garnet" color and its "expansive blackberry and cherry preserve scents." He further elaborated on its "intense black and blue fruit liqueur and spicecake flavors," which are supported by a "vein of juicy acidity." Raynolds noted the presence of a "smoky mineral note" on the tannic finish and mentioned that 25% of the wine was aged in new oak.
Jeb Dunnuck also provided a commendable review, scoring the wine 94 points. Dunnuck described the wine as having a "blue-fruited perfume of cassis, graphite, violets, and peppered meat-like aromas and flavors." He appreciated its focused and inward nature on the palate, with "ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and outstanding length." He suggested that the wine would benefit from 4-5 years of aging and could remain impressive for 10-15 years thereafter.
James Suckling's review echoed similar sentiments with a 94-point rating. Suckling noted the "very smoky and meaty" nature of the Syrah, along with "some violet aromas." He described the wine as "plush and elegant," with full body and delicate tannins. Suckling mentioned the origin of the grapes from a four-hectare vineyard site south of Tain l'Hermitage, close to the Rhone River, and noted that the wine was matured in oak, with only about a quarter in new barrels.
Wine Spectator also awarded the wine 93 points. The review highlighted the wine's "serious aromatic and textural complexity," with flavors of "perfumed red fruit, dried flower and eucalyptus" merging with "cigar box, tobacco, smoked black tea and graphite." The toasty oak was noted to be well-integrated, adding to the power without making the wine feel heavy, thanks to an "undercurrent of mineral energy."
In summary, the 2020 Delas Freres Crozes Hermitage le Clos is a highly regarded Syrah with complex flavors and aromas, promising a long and enjoyable drinking window.