August 22, 2021 - Slightly funky, again not showing too much weight - an elegant hermitage.
May 14, 2021 - From a Magnum. At opening there was a sharp, acid taste in the wine, that I took for being slightly corked. But it got less during the evening. Instead a complex palate of plum, leather and herbs popped up. On day 2 a bit softer and the acid backbone was completely gone. Overall a very good wine, quite mature/tertiary, so not suited for every guest. But we loved it. 93p.
December 13, 2020 - Really transparent and Burgundian, a complete contrast to an '01 Guigal ex-voto alongside
I'd drink these now
November 27, 2020 - End Nov Wine Night @ GWC!: Les Bessards has been very volatile for me, but this bottle was on point tonight! Enticing red fruits, cherries, slight tinge of barnyard. Quite burgundian. I have been impressed by the 2001 Rhones so far! Open up
August 10, 2020 - Perfect Hermitage at peak (from magnum).
Very Burgundian in style after 19 years, with more bacon and smoky notes.
April 28, 2018 - Popped and poured. This is a lighter-red wine with some fine-grained sediment toward the end of the bottle. The nose is great!! I get scents of pepper, bacon, scorched meat fat, and ash. In the mouth, this is a medium-weight wine with some woodsy overtones and a spicy finish. Overall, this is a distinctive wine that is in a great spot now. Drink and enjoy! 92 points.
April 25, 2018 - This bottle was a little lighter bodied than my last and as such it came across as a little insubstantial. Lovely perfume though - an Hermitage for burg lovers!
March 19, 2018 - Pristine European Stock (at 67 Pall Mall). Spectacular! Floral with plenty of iron flavours, and the whole package held together with Burgundian (ie minimal) thickness and weight. Home run
May 24, 2015 - Difficult to rate because it might have been ever so slightly corked. Great material though. Everyone enjoyed it, but I detected a bit of dusty closet on the mouth and nose.
February 13, 2015 - If you have not yet consumed your 2001, drink it now (2015). It has started to turn. Slight hint of vinegar. Much lighter taste that described on other reviews. Drinking window is closing or closed. Your bottle's mileage may differ.