Les Bessards Hermitage Syrah

Glass-staining ruby. Hugely perfumed, mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserves, floral oil, olive paste, pipe tobacco and exotic spice aromas show superb clarity and pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering alluringly sweet kirsch, cassis, fruitcake and cola flavors that deepen slowly through the back half. Shows fine delineation and vibrant, mineral lift on an impressively long, chewy and floral-accented finish that's framed by steadily building tannins. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, December 2022)

Deep dark tawny color. Notes of black fruit, iron, slate stone, earthy soil and a little menthol. Silky in the mouth. Maybe a tad below in performance from the last bottle of this. Very nice but not spectacular.

A nose dominated by lait cru cheese, French to be sure, that was bizarre and enticing at the same time. All 3 of us agreed that it wasn’t brett or oxidized, just cheese. Beyond the nose was a velvety panoply of light stewed red and black fruit, some pepper and bacon notes. Really nice and fun to drink would not cellar longer.

Ripe, structured, at maturity. Roasted black plum, smoked ribs, ash, mushrooms, saddle leather, peppercorn and herbs. Integrated and loving the richness this has from vintage at its age.

Dark purple tawny. Beautiful nose. Notes of black cherry, slate stone, spice, some ripened rhubarb, dark earth and roasted meat. Nice balance of fruit and structure in the mouth. In a good spot. Drink now or over next 5 years.

Scarlet tawny, mostly opaque. Great nose. Notes of rich blackberries, menthol, slate stone, blueberries, iron and some dark soil. Perfectly balanced in the mouth. Fruit with still some pucker and structure. This over performed tonight.

Tawny and dark. Stewed fruit nose from the get go. Notes of strawberries, raspberries and a heavy kirsch impact. Nothing like a normal Hermitage Syrah that you hope for so the vintage is evident here. A bit over the top. Love this producer and this vineyard but will pass on this vintage.

Founded over 160 years ago, Delas Frères was acquired by Champagne Deutz in 1977. 100% Syrah, aged 16 months in French oak (70% new), aromas of red berry fruits, blossom and complex spice. On the palate black raspberry, fig and black plum flavors, savory with dried herb pepper spice. Fine tannins, great mouthfeel, complex lingering ending with fruit, mineral, floral and spice character. Well balanced, outstanding.

Founded over 160 years ago, Delas Frères was acquired by Champagne Deutz in 1977. 100% Syrah, aged 18 months in French oak (30% new), aromas of red berry fruits and complex spice. On the palate raspberry and plum flavors, savory with herb pepper spice. Fine tight tannins, nice mouthfeel, lingering ending with fruit and spice character. Needs time in the bottle to age.

Scarlet tawny. Dark but translucent. Black cherry, some menthol. Woody. With air this powers up and has a big impact. Balanced in the mouth, with plenty of stuffing for a long life in front of it. The acidity is vibrant. Long finish.