The 2023 Delas Frères Saint-Joseph Les Challeys Rouge is Northern Rhône Syrah from Delas, the Tournon house founded in 1835 and owned by the Roederer group since 1993. Les Challeys is sourced from hand-harvested vineyards between Mauves and Chavanay on steep slopes of granite, schist and gneiss. A portion is matured in French oak barrels while the remainder stays in tank, keeping the fruit vivid while adding gentle complexity. Browse the full Delas Frères range, including Saint-Esprit, Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes and the single-vineyard Saint-Joseph Sainte-Épine.
The nose is fresh and expressive: blackberry, raspberry and blackcurrant layered with cracked black pepper, violet and a floral lift, then smoked herbs, cedar and a touch of graphite and crushed granite as it opens.
Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and lively natural acidity. Blackberry, cassis and ripe raspberry are carried by black pepper, dried herbs and gentle spice; the granite gives freshness and mineral tension, and the partial barrel ageing adds texture without covering the fruit. The finish is long, savoury and floral.
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding introduction to Northern Rhône Syrah. Against richer Australian Shiraz, Les Challeys offers more savoury complexity, peppery spice and mineral precision while still delivering generous fruit. It is a stepping stone into Saint-Joseph and a value alternative to Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie. Drink now or cellar to 2033. Serve with roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes or aged hard cheese.
