The inky-colored 2014 Hermitage les Bessards (100% Syrah aged 18 months in 30% new barrels) is up with the top wines in the vintage. Deep, rich and concentrated, with beautiful crushed rock-like minerality, liquid violets, cassis, and black raspberry aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced and has building, ripe, polished tannin. This beautiful wine will keep for two decades or more.

This has solid ripeness for the vintage, with tasty plum, blackberry and anise flavors driving through, inlaid with a mix of bay leaf, white pepper and singed cast iron notes. Nicely integrated. A fresh swath of white pepper and savory checks in on the finish. Best from 2019 through 2030. 35 cases imported. –JM