2024 Delas Frères Saint-Esprit Côtes du Rhône Blanc

Delas Frères was founded in 1835 by Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas. By 1879, the winery had already gained a global reputation and won its first gold medals in Sydney. In 1924, the original name, Audibert & Delas, was changed to Delas Frères. To meet the growing demand for wine, after World War II, an investment was made in the acquisition of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage. By the 1960s, Delas Frères was one of the leading wineries in the Rhône, with its own vineyards in Hermitage, Cornas, Côte Rôtie, and Condrieu. To this day, Delas Frères owns top vineyards in Hermitage such as Les Bessards and Marquise de la Tourette, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côte Rôtie, Cornas, Condrieu, St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Côtes du Rhône and the Ventoux region.

Saint Esprit Blanc is a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier from vineyards located on the right bank of the Rhône. After pressing, the must is cold-stored in sealed steel tanks for 24 hours. The wine then ferments in stainless steel tanks at 18°C. Lactic fermentation is prevented to preserve the wine's natural freshness and finesse. After blending, the wine is stored in stainless steel tanks.

In the glass, the Delas Frères Saint-Esprit Blanc has a golden yellow color with green highlights. The nose reveals aromas of white flowers and yellow fruit with hints of citrus. The palate is attractive with a seductively soft yet refreshing finish. The Wine Advocate (Parker) describes this wine as: "stupendous bargain."