2010 Delas Frères "Les Bessards" Hermitage

Lastly, I always look for older wines in local restaurants during work trips, and I was able to purchase this bottle from Le Mangevins, which is unquestionably one of the top restaurants in the Northern Rhône. Pure Hermitage magic, the 2010 Hermitage Les Bessards comes from the western side of Hermitage Hill and pure, gnarly, steep, broken granite soils. It takes time to open up but reveals a vivid ruby hue as well as a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits, crushed stone, spring flowers, incense, camphor, and burning embers. Full-bodied, dense, concentrated, and powerful, it has thrilling tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. A sensational, heavenly, seamless Hermitage, it can be drunk any time over the coming 30 years or more.

The uber-impressive 2010 Hermitage Les Bessards ranks alongside the perfect 2009. The strikingly intense powdered stone/granite minerality is apparent in this wine of great intensity, prodigious, almost skyscraper-like texture, massive body and high tannins. It is only for true connoisseurs who have a cold cellar as well as the patience to wait a minimum of a decade for it to round into drinking form. Filled with potential, it is one of the single greatest Hermitages I have ever tasted. There is no hint of its 100% new oak aging! (JD)