2014 Hermitage Les Bessards
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Tasting notes
Fermentation in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks, after 2 days of skin contact at cool temperatures. Fermentation continues at controlled temperatures of 82–86 °F/28–30 °C. Daily punchdowns and pumpovers are carried out for about 10 days, with a total maceration period of up to 20 days. Maturation for 12–14 months in a mixture of new and second-use barrels. Treacle toffee on the nose but not a trace of sweetness on the finish. Sinewy and leathery. Still with quite a bit of tannin. Almost gravelly! (JR)
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark purple. A powerful, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, candied licorice, olive paste, exotic spices and incense and shows a vibrant mineral overtone. Stains the palate with intense blackberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that deepen and pick up a sexy floral element with air. Shows a compelling marriage of richness and finesse and finishes extremely long, sappy and sweet, with youthful tannins adding framework.
The inky-colored 2014 Hermitage les Bessards (100% Syrah aged 18 months in 30% new barrels) is up with the top wines in the vintage. Deep, rich and concentrated, with beautiful crushed rock-like minerality, liquid violets, cassis, and black raspberry aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced and has building, ripe, polished tannin. This beautiful wine will keep for two decades or more.