2011 Hermitage les Bessards
By Delas Freres
The 2011 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Freres, Rhone
This majestic vintage—2011 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Frères—is an epitome of a fine wine investment holding formidable potential. The wine not only stands exemplary to its terroir but also brings out a distinctive character which distinguishes itself from other Rhone vintages.
A symphony of subtlety and strength in every sip
As an admirer of wines that triumph in testing climatic conditions, the 2011 Hermitage les Bessards with its harmonised balance of power and elegance is indeed spectacular. This year encapsulated unpredictable climatic hardships that were somehow deftly navigated by the adept vineyard masters at Delas Frères, translating into a bold yet refined character of the final product.
This tantalizing ensemble enters with an opulently ripe black fruit profile underscored by layers of woody undertones resonating intriguing spice notes. A tickling tannic structure keeps company to the robust backbone of classic Syrah, further nuanced by smoky mineral trails that elusive tastes may savour.
Investment potential par excellence
The singular brilliance of this full-bodied vin de garde is the embodiment of reliable vigour and longevity. As it matures, expect a rubicund evolution fostering more intricate layers to its palpable personality, hence promising escalating returns for astute wine investors who appreciate both quality and potential growth.
In the grand chessboard of vintages, the 2011 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Frères is no mere pawn but a king—one that rules with finesse and authority. An investment in this hypnotic expression of Rhone provenance indeed holds a prudent position in any fine wine portfolio.
An indelible marker in Rhone's vinous timeline
Despite the tumultuous climate, or perhaps because of it, this vintage marked an indeniable chronicle in the annals of Rhone Valley. This dramatic 2011 iteration from Delas Frères is a testament to endurance and finesse, leaving a signature footprint in the tempestuous sands of time.
Not just an enchanting conserve of Rhone Valley's noble heritage, the 2011 Hermitage les Bessards from Delas Frères holds its own as a beacon of predictable progress marinated in unmatched elegance, encouraging the fine wine connoisseur to savor the essence and significance of patience juxtaposed with fine investment balance.
Market price (CAD)
$2,290.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
72.11
Scores and tasting notes
Even better and one of the top two to three wines in the vintage, the 2011 Hermitage Les Bessards (100% Syrah that spent 16 months in 70% new French oak) possesses an inky purple color to go with a fabulously rich, pure bouquet of smoked earth, ground pepper, underbrush and licorice that’s supported by awesome black raspberry and cassis-styled fruit. Full-bodied, seamless and layered, with masses of sweet tannin and notable structure, this beauty bucks the vintage stereotype and will need short-term cellaring to become approachable. It will have 2-3 decades of longevity. Run by Jacques Grange and Claire Darnaud, Delas, which is owned by the Louis Roederer-Deutz Champagne firm, is producing no nonsense, extremely high quality efforts that are near the top of each of their respective appellations. I was consistently impressed by the wines, and they stood out in all of the larger tastings that I was able to do. In addition, I was able to taste the wines again at the domain, and again once back in the states. These are serious efforts worthy of attention. As to the Hermitages, they produce two, a standard Domaine des Tourettes, and in top vintages, the Les Bessards. In addition to the top-flight Cote Rotie and Hermitage releases, this estate produces a bevy of high quality efforts from Cornas and Saint Joseph. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000
Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2013