Hermitage Bessards, Delas Frères 1997

The spectacular 1997 Hermitage Les Bessards is a very profound wine. Delas owns 20 acres in what is considered by many to be the finest terroir of Hermitage, Les Bessards. Black/purple-colored, with a spectacular creme de cassis, mineral, spicy new wood, and floral-scented nose, this full-bodied, blockbuster Hermitage possesses a sweet attack (from concentration, glycerin, and extract, not sugar), prodigious concentration and length, and unbelievable potential. This teeth-staining, mouth-coating wine will not hit its prime for 7-10 years; it will last for 25 years. It is an amazing accomplishment in a vintage such as 1997! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. The 1997, completely controlled by Jacques Grange, was made in the new cuverie, which he built to his specifications. It admirably proved what dedication to quality and no compromise winemaking can achieve.