California-based Vintage Wine Estates has purchased Delectus Winery, a producer of luxury red wines in Napa Valley, for an undisclosed amount.

The winery is located in St Helena on Highway 29 in California.

Delectus founder Linda Butler will continue to lead the brand and guide its hospitality, trade, media and private tastings, winery events, and wine club.

"We have tremendous admiration for Chris Phelps' wines."

Chris Phelps has been appointed as the consulting winemaker.

Founded in 1995, Delectus is known for four flagship Cabernet Sauvignons.

The Delectus acquisition demonstrates Vintage Wine Estates' strategy to own luxury alcohol beverage portfolios that have growth potential.

In the last two years, Vintage has added brands such as Swanson Vineyards, BR Cohn Winery, and Splinter Group Spirits to its portfolio.

The newly appointed consulting winemaker Chris Phelps is a red Bordeaux specialist. He has experience of working with Pétrus, Dominus Estate and Caymus Vineyards.

Vintage Wine Estates president and CEO Pat Roney said: “We have tremendous admiration for Chris Phelps' wines and are thrilled he has agreed to assume the consulting winemaking role for Delectus.

"He is among the top red Bordeaux specialists in the world and will continue the DELECTUS legacy of producing the finest Napa Valley wines."