KYSELA PERE ET FILS, LTD.

The wine industry lost one of its heroes this week. Christophe Delorme, remarkably talented winemaker at Domaine de la Mordorée, passed away at the age of 52.

Christophe Delorme & his brother Fabrice, who founded their now famous Southern Rhône Valley winery in 1986, have been dedicated to producing some of the best wines in the region, and selecting and maintaining some of the best terroirs, for nearly 30 years. Their Châteauneuf-du-Papes, Lirac Reds & Whites, and Tavel Rosés are amidst the most highly rated of the region.

Among Christophe's fans was Robert Parker Jr. of The Wine Advocate, who pinned Mordorée as "one of the world’s greatest wine estates". In a 2007 issue of the Wine Advocate, Parker said:
"With 135 acres spread throughout some of the most impressive appellations of the southern Rhône, Christophe Delorme and his brother...have done nothing but produce one exquisite wine after another. Of course, the top cuvees of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are rare and expensive, but this is a place to find terrific Cotes du Rhones and Liracs as well. Delorme is equally adept at dry whites as well as reds, and turns out some stunning roses both under the Cotes du Rhône and Tavel appellations..."

 Another long-time supporter & admirer of Christophe & his work is our own Fran Kysela. When he learned of Christophe's passing, Fran offered this tribute:
"I worked with this man for 21 years. I met Christophe in the winter of 1994, when the “dog meat” vintage of 1992 was being sold. I tasted the wines and was stunned on how good they for that year/vintage; a vintage that rated 2 out of 10. Immediately we connected, and the connection lived on for years.
Christophe was an unabashed supporter of KPF, and he helped us add other top quality producers to our portfolio (Château de Ségriès and Jerome Bressy, Gourt de Mautens to name a few). Even though he was one of the one or two top winemakers in the Rhône Valley, he constantly promoted other estates in the Rhone. For 21 years he routinely promoted KPF to any and all wine producers in France, and he acted as our champion and credit reference. He will be sorely missed, and he was truly loved by all. As they say...they don’t make many men like him..."

We offer our deepest sympathy to Christophe's wife Madeleine, his daughter Ambre, his brother Fabrice and the whole Delorme family. As we mourn the loss of a great winemaker, great viticulturist & great man, we take confidence in knowing that tradition will continue at Domaine de la Mordorée. Fabrice & the Delorme family are committed to maintaining the superb quality that is Domaine de la Mordoree.

Whether you choose his Tavel Rose, his Lirac Blanc, his Châteauneuf-du-Pape or another favorite Mordorée selection, we hope you'll raise a glass in Christophe's memory this week.