1990 Delas Freres Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Haute Pierre Blanc

Delas Freres was founded in the 19th century in the northern Cotes du Rhone, in France’s Rhone Valley. In 1977 the estate was purchased by Champagne Deutz, which was itself purchased in 1993 by Louis Roederer. Today the estate makes a wide range of wines from the northern and southern parts of the Rhone Valley. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “Delas has joined the ranks of the finest Rhone valley producers. The impetus for the change is Jacques Grange, a Burgundian who worked with Michel Chapoutier before joining Delas.” Delas produces Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu, Cornas, Cote Rotie, Gigondas, Hermitage, Vacqueyras and Viognier. The most acclaimed cuvee is the Hermitage Les Bessards made from 70-year-old Syrah vines.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.