The wines from the Rhone are becoming separated along 2 fronts.  Those with big Robert Parker scores, and those with moderate scores.  It is no secret that the team from the Wine Advocate (R. Parker, et al) have almost single handedly brought the Rhone River Valley to the mainstream of American wine appreciation, and for that we should all pay a debt of gratitude.  Unfortunately, the shop keepers and the consumers alike seem unwilling to give due respect to the hundreds of producers that don't get a "95 score" from the Jefe, and subsequently, the marketplace is saturated with a few major players.  Delas Freres has been getting more and more attention in recent years, and for good reason.  Not only is it a "parker darling", the prices are not as stratospheric as they are for many of the other "parker favorite" producers.

Les Bessards is a well respected vineyard area in Hermitage.  The wines from here are generally 100% Syrah.  The 1997 Delas Freres Les Bessards Hermitage is outstanding.  The wine will run from about $75 into the $100 and up range, depending on where it is bought and the provenance of the bottle.  This is a relative bargain compared to other similarly regarded Hermitage wines with 10 years of age.  The wine is inky dark, has a huge nose of Provencal spices, fresh cut leather, and blackberry jam.  The wine was not at all peppery.  Tannins are abundant but well hidden, and the wine finishes long and strong.  A truly outstanding wine.

4.5 stars.  Bought at auction (can't recall price)

 

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