95-97 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Potent dark berry preserve, cherry, exotic spice, potpourri and smoky mineral aromas convey impressive energy and take on a subtle smoked meat nuance with air. Sappy, deeply concentrated but lively blackberry, bitter cherry and salty olive paste flavors stain the palate and show no rough edges. Sweet and seamless in texture, finishing with superb, floral-dominated persistence and fine-grained tannins that add subtle grip. (May 2020)"
***** John Livingstone-Learmonth (The Cradle of The Rhône): "(1940s and 1960s Syrah from Le Méal & the end of Greffieux where the soil is still that of the east of Bessards (hence the title of the wine), the crop from the two climats assembled at harvest time, whole bunch fermentation, 18-21 day vinification, cap punching, pumping overs, aged 1-10 year 600-litre casks 18-20 months, with the occasional new 600-litre cask used (2016), unfined, light filtration, “first made by accident in 2005, not in 2006, then from 2007 onwards because my clients asked for it,” has a gold capsule, 2,400-3,000 b). Dark red; the nose bears an aroma of griottes, soaked cherries, has violet notions, prune fruit ripeness, but isn’t static, carries inner sun depth, a compact tone from that. The palate debut is tight, not much on the go, has inner heart, even strength. Iron-lead pencil come through on the second half – it’s very Bessards there. The finish is also tight, close-knit. It’s almost chunky, long-term wine, builds its defences in the persistent second half. There is some solar effect within – very compressed, and there’s only a small show of intense juice for now. 14.6°. From 2029. 2055-57 July 2021."
***** John Livingstone-Learmonth (The Cradle of The Rhône): "(1940s and 1960s Syrah from Le Méal & the end of Greffieux where the soil is still that of the east of Bessards (hence the title of the wine), the crop from the two climats assembled at harvest time, whole bunch fermentation, 18-21 day vinification, cap punching, pumping overs, aged 1-10 year 600-litre casks 18-20 months, with the occasional new 600-litre cask used (2016), unfined, light filtration, “first made by accident in 2005, not in 2006, then from 2007 onwards because my clients asked for it,” has a gold capsule, 2,400-3,000 b). Dark red; the nose bears an aroma of griottes, soaked cherries, has violet notions, prune fruit ripeness, but isn’t static, carries inner sun depth, a compact tone from that. The palate debut is tight, not much on the go, has inner heart, even strength. Iron-lead pencil come through on the second half – it’s very Bessards there. The finish is also tight, close-knit. It’s almost chunky, long-term wine, builds its defences in the persistent second half. There is some solar effect within – very compressed, and there’s only a small show of intense juice for now. 14.6°. From 2029. 2055-57 July 2021."
| Product SKU | 345181 |
| Producer | Faurie/Bernard |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| SubRegion | Northern Rhône |
| Appellation | Hermitage |
| Varietal | Syrah/Shiraz |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 15.0% |
| Ships To |
