The 2020 Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is a distinguished Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. With an alcohol content of 14.5%, this red wine stands out for its bold character and depth. Each review highlights its exceptional qualities, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine collection.
Decanter describes the wine as having a "forthright" oak spice on the nose, leading to "plush, juicy fruit" that is as comforting as "sitting into a well-stuffed leather armchair." The review appreciates the opulence and "long" finish, giving it a solid score of 94 points.
James Suckling also rates it 94 points, noting the "dense black fruit aromas with hints of tar and leather." He praises its "bold and powerful" tannin structure and the "long smoky and stony finish," suggesting that while it is drinkable now, it will be at its best from 2025.
Jeb Dunnuck is particularly enthusiastic, awarding it 96 points. He describes the wine as having a "deep, saturated purple hue" and a "powerful bouquet" that includes "scorched earth, creosote, peppered meat, liquid violets, and both black and blue fruits." Dunnuck emphasizes its "outstanding length" and predicts it will improve with 2-4 years of bottle age, lasting up to two decades.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offers a slightly more conservative score of 92 points but still lauds the wine's "smooth, silky-textured" profile and its potential to age for at least a decade.
Vinous, rating it between 94-95 points, highlights its "inky ruby" color and "deeply perfumed nose" with elements of "black and blue fruits, violet, licorice, and an olive nuance." The review notes its "intense cherry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors" and "impressively long, penetrating finish."
Wine & Spirits scores it 91 points, pointing out its "formidable concentration" and "blueberry-skin tannins." The review suggests it will benefit from a few years to fully develop, but it is "drinkable now" with suitable pairings like grilled pheasant.
Lastly, Wine Spectator, with a 92-point rating, describes the wine as "ripe, fresh and sleek," featuring "dark cherry and red currant fruit" and an "iron note" that develops through the "focused finish."
Overall, the 2020 Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is a robust, well-structured Syrah with significant aging potential, praised across the board for its complexity and depth.