Delas Freres   Hermitage les Bessards

2004 Hermitage les Bessards

By Delas Freres

2004 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Freres, Rhone Valley, France

Steeped deeply into the heart of the Rhone Valley, Delas Freres' legendary 2004 Hermitage les Bessards has long proven a timeless lesson in the art of winemaking. Embodying the unique charm of the (now celebrated) 2004 vintage, this Hermitage roots itself in a year known for its dynamic shifts in weather - magnifying flavours and enhancing maturity.

 

An investment in quality

Its distinguished structure and sustained rich palette place this 2004 Hermitage amongst the choice Rhone selections for discerning oenophiles and wine investors alike. Whether it is held in a cellar for its impressive aging potential or appreciated immediately for its current notes, this vintage offers a noteworthy experience to be savoured.

A glass of this splendid wine unfolds with multi-layered notes representing the vineyard's diverse, granitic terroir - evoking deep undertones of dark fruit, cracked black pepper and fleeting hints of cured game. The Syrah grape truly finds its voice here, retaining structure whilst offering incredible depth of character.

 

Investing in a stellar year

The year 2004 in the Rhone Valley was a classic one - replete with ideal conditions that steadily led the grapes to maturity while retaining lively acidity. This quintessential balance between fruit-driven vivacity and grounded minerality have made the 2004 vintages ones to watch in the investment domain.

Yet within this stellar year, the 2004 Hermitage les Bessards stands apart. Its interplay between ripe berry-forward richness and well-built tannic backbone is truly mesmerizing. This is where hills meet heaven - a wine that mingles strength with finesse, verve with earth-born resonance. Here is a Hermitage that both honours tradition and stands at the vanguard of the Rhone's proud winemaking history.

Whether regarded as a jewel in the crown of a collector's cellar, or hailed as an indulgence among connoisseurs, the 2004 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Freres remains a shining example of investment-worthy viniculture and syrah mastery combined.

Market price (CAD)

$3,730.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

172.31

Scores and tasting notes

93

The 2004 Hermitage les Bessards is an elegant, layered and ready-to-go Hermitage that gives up classic smoked duck, Asian spices, soy, mineral and assorted dark fruits. It's medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced and seamless, with lots of charm. Drinking beautifully today, enjoy bottles anytime over the coming decade.

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 13 September 2015

Vintage performance