Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninhigh
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 10 to 30 years from vintage.
vintage10 yrs30 yrs32 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedHigh tanninHigh acidityDryVery Long, Iron And Mineral finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, granite mineral, iron, smoked wood, cedar

Palate: massively concentrated dark fruit, iron-granite tannins, dense structure, very long mineral finish

From the Les Bessards parcel, a granite section of the Hermitage hill known for structured Syrah. Delas produces a single-vineyard Hermitage from this site.

What it pairs with

  • Grilled bone-in rib of beef
    Massive mineral tannins require the most substantial beef preparation.
  • Wild boar shoulder slow-roasted
    Game with strong flavours stands up to the wine's power and mineral intensity.
  • Aged Manchego or Ossau Iraty
    Firm sheep's-milk cheese softens the wine's iron tannins elegantly.

How to serve Hermitage Les Bessards

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Grilled bone-in rib of beef, Wild boar shoulder slow-roasted, Aged Manchego or Ossau Iraty. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Les Bessards is considered one of the two most powerful lieux-dits on the Hermitage hill. Delas has been producing a single-parcel Les Bessards since 1985 as their top Hermitage cuvee.

  1. 1985: First separate bottling of Les Bessards as Delas's prestige Hermitage

Facts

Producer
Delas Freres · visiting guide
Grapes
Syrah (100%)
Classification
Hermitage AOC
Oak
20 months in new French oak barriques
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 120-200 at retail
Drinking window
10-30 from vintage
First vintage
1985

Frequently asked about Hermitage Les Bessards

What does Hermitage Les Bessards taste like?

On the nose, blackcurrant, granite mineral, iron, smoked wood, cedar. On the palate, massively concentrated dark fruit, iron-granite tannins, dense structure, very long mineral finish. Structurally full-bodied, high tannins, high acidity with a very long, iron and mineral finish. From the Les Bessards parcel, a granite section of the Hermitage hill known for structured Syrah. Delas produces a single-vineyard Hermitage from this site.

When should I drink Hermitage Les Bessards?

Drink 10-30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Hermitage Les Bessards?

Grilled bone-in rib of beef is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Wild boar shoulder slow-roasted and Aged Manchego or Ossau Iraty. Massive mineral tannins require the most substantial beef preparation.

What grapes are in Hermitage Les Bessards?

The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Hermitage AOC.

Tags

cellar worthy dry full body high acid high tannin iconic mood bold mood contemplative occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old vines old world pairs with game pairs with red meat price fine single vineyard still red syrah

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