Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2022 (Northern Rhone, France) - [JS 97] [VM 95] [WS 95] [WA 95]

Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2022
(Northern Rhone, France) - [JS 97] [VM 95] [WS 95] [WA 95]


$307.00 $279.97 Save $27.03
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JS97 VM95 WS95 WA95
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Vineyard:
It covers three communes in the Drôme, Tain-l'Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage.
Soils:
made up of granite arenas covered with mica schists and gneiss, but also beaches of round alluvial pebbles (this diversity explains the presence of places in the appellation: Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Roucoule, Beaumes, etc.).
Climate :
Sheltered from the north wind, most of the hillsides face south. Good sunshine.Area in production:134 ha; annual production: 3,635 hl; maximum authorized yield: 40 hl/ha.
Grape varieties:
Syrah (authorized addition of 15% Marsanne and Roussanne).

Winemaking:
The soils are a combination of granite with alluvial quaternary delta deposits and Pliocene marl. This diversity explains the numerous names given to the various vineyard plots within the appellation: Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Roucoule, Beaumes, etc. The vineyards are south-facing and protected from the north winds. The slopes are well exposed to the sun. Harvesting for “Les Bessards” is entirely manual and occurs when the grapes show optimum ripeness. Fermentation takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks after two days of pre-fermentary skin contact at cool temperatures. Fermenting continues at controlled temperatures of 82°F to 86°F. Daily cap punching and pumping over are carried out for about 10 days, with a total maceration period of up to 20 days. Maturation lasts between 12 and 14 months in oak barrels, which are new or have already held one wine. These are regularly racked in order to provide the tannins with enough oxygen for an optimum maturing.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - James Suckling:

"What a stunning nose this great Hermitage has. A cornucopia of wild berries and herbs with notes of licorice, smoke and black pepper. Enormously deep with a very complex, spicy character on the compact, full-bodied palate. Then the extremely long finish astonishes you with its great finesse. I could study all the nuances for hours, and the wine is just beginning a very long life. Matured in 100% in Burgundian oak barrels, of which a quarter were new. Best from 2027." - James Suckling (Apr 2024)

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The enticing 2022 Hermitage Les Bessards has vivid notes of orange rind, black cherry, cedar, raspberry compote, dried herbs and iodine arising from the glass. Spicy and complex, the full-bodied 2022 lands on the palate with remarkable intensity, sporting spot-on balance and outstanding length. At a mere 13.37% alcohol, this is by no means a bulldozer, focusing on athleticism and finesse. (Drink between 2027-2040)" - Nicolas Greinacher (Jan 2025)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:

"Large in scale, with a fresh burst of blackberry fruit, melted licorice and chalky mineral notes edged in mesquite ash. Maintains elegance, with lavender and bitter cherry pit high tones, all wrapped around a spine of graphite. Inviting at first, this soon reveals muscular tannins that need more time to unfurl. Earthy, smoky, singed incense underpinnings mark the powerful and focused close. Best from 2026 through 2038. 600 cases made, 60 cases imported." - Kristen Bieler (Dec 2024)

95 Points -  Wine Advocate:

"This cuvée, as always, shines brilliantly at this address. The 2022 Hermitage Les Bessards releases aromas of licorice, spices, dark berries, cassis and mulberries. It boasts a full-bodied, dense and layered palate with a concentrated, fleshy fruit core, followed by filigreed and velvety tannins, leading to a pure, delicate, mineral and prolonged finish. The grapes were entirely destemmed, and the wine matured in barrels, 20% of which were new. This vintage of Les Bessards is shaping into a stunning bottle, exemplifying controlled power and a racy character." - Yohan Castaing (Mar 2025)