2018 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards

Syrah - 750ML
Reg: $199.94
$179.94
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REVIEWS

WA 98 JD 97 WE 97 VN 96 WS 96 JS 95 W&S 95
WA 98

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, May 2021

Boasting classic Les Bessards notes of sun-warmed cassis and crushed stone, the 2018 Hermitage Les Bessards has turned out to be a magnificent wine—a close rival to the potentially perfect 2015. Full-bodied and velvety...
JD 97

jebdunnuck.com, November 2020

A stunning Hermitage in every sense, the 2018 Hermitage Les Bessards comes from the steep, broken granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit on Hermitage Hill. Revealing a deep purple/violet color, it has a gorgeous nose...
WE 97

Wine Enthusiast, May 2021

Les Bressards is a single-vineyard selection limited to 6,000 majestic bottles in any vintage it's produced. Made from 100% Syrah, its black-cherry coulis and crème de cassis flavors are spicy, marked by hits of scorched...
VN 96

Vinous, December 2022

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...
WS 96

Wine Spectator, February 2021

This is packed with intense dark fig, blackberry and boysenberry reduction flavors that show a subtle singed alder thread as they assert themselves, weaving around while mouthwatering anise and bay leaf notes filter...
JS 95

jamessuckling.com, March 2022

Some people will call this a blockbuster, but I disagree. The stunning nose of the ripest forest berries and raw meat sucks you into the extremely full-bodied and concentrated palate, where the powerful, fine tannins have...
W&S 95

Wine & Spirits, February 2021

Made only in top years, this comes from a plot of vines planted in Les Bessards’ granite soils in 1946. It’s an intense, concentrated red in 2018, the fruit nestled deeply into earthy tannins and swathed in chocolatey...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Syrah
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Northern Rhone
Appellation Hermitage
Vintage 2018
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 15.5%
Closure Cork

Founded in 1835 by Charles Audibert and Phillipe Delas, the celebrated Delas Freres winery grows 30 hectares of vines comprising 10 hectares in Hermitage (including the Domaines des Tourettes estate), 2 hectares in Saint-Joseph, and 18 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage.

In addition to the grapes produced by Delas' own wine growing team, Delas' close relationships with like-minded owner-winegrowers ensure that the company is able to source grapes grown on individual parcels, which reflect their own unique terroir.

Exclusively a family-owned operation for over a century, Delas Freres joined forces with Champagne Deutz in 1977. In 1993, Deutz and Delas Freres were approached by the Rouzaud family, majority shareholder in the Roederer Group. They joined the Roederer Group under whose umbrella Delas' philosophy continues to flourish.

The 2018 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards is an exceptional wine that embodies the elegance and power of the Northern Rhone region in France. This red wine, made exclusively from the Syrah grape variety, showcases the unique characteristics of the Hermitage appellation.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, ruby-red color that is reminiscent of its intense flavors and aromas. On the nose, it captivates with a stunning bouquet of ripe forest berries, crème de cassis, scorched earth, violets, and a hint of pepper. These aromas are further complemented by a liquid rock-like minerality, adding depth and complexity to the wine.

Upon the first sip, the full-bodied nature of the wine becomes apparent. It is incredibly concentrated and showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of the winemakers. The powerful yet fine tannins have been beautifully integrated, providing a velvety texture that coats the palate. The wine exudes a remarkable freshness, surprising for such a warm vintage.

Renowned wine critics have praised the 2018 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards for its exceptional quality. James Suckling awarded it a score of 95, describing it as a wine with a long and remarkably fresh finish. Jeb Dunnuck was even more impressed, giving it a score of 97 and declaring it a stunning Hermitage in every sense. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 98, considering it a close rival to the potentially perfect 2015 vintage.

The 2018 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards is a wine that is built to age gracefully. Although it offers pleasure even today, it is recommended to cellar it for at least 4-5 years to fully appreciate its potential. With its impeccable balance and structure, this wine has the potential to age for 30+ years or more.

In summary, the 2018 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards is a magnificent wine that showcases the best of Hermitage. Its intense flavors, fine tannins, and remarkable freshness make it a true gem from the Northern Rhone region of France. Whether enjoyed now or aged for years to come, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.