Hermitage Bessards, Delas Frères 2006

The limited production blockbuster 2006 Hermitage Les Bessards is exquisite. Opaque inky/purple-colored with a stunning perfume of white chocolate, creme de cassis, incense, and camphor, this 2006 possesses fabulous fruit, full-bodied power, awesome concentration, and sweet, noble tannins. A classic in the making, it will be drinkable in 8-10 years, and should keep for half a century.

One of the wines of the vintage is unquestionably the 2006 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from one of the greatest terroirs for Syrah in the world. Still youthful and vibrant, with those classic graphite and crushed rock characteristics that define this cuvee, as well as loads of black fruits, toasted spice and dried flowers, this beauty is full-bodied, uber-concentrated and gorgeously pure. It’s still 4-5 years away from full maturity, and is going to keep for 2-3 decades.