Glass-staining ruby. Hugely perfumed, mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserves, floral oil, olive paste, pipe tobacco and exotic spice aromas show superb clarity and pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering alluringly sweet kirsch, cassis, fruitcake and cola flavors that deepen slowly through the back half. Shows fine delineation and vibrant, mineral lift on an impressively long, chewy and floral-accented finish that's framed by steadily building tannins. ~ (96) Josh Raynolds, Vinous 12-1-2022

Some people will call this a blockbuster, but I disagree. The stunning nose of the ripest forest berries and raw meat sucks you into the extremely full-bodied and concentrated palate, where the powerful, fine tannins have been beautifully crafted and are already fully integrated at the very long, remarkably fresh finish for this very warm vintage. Drink or hold. ~ (95) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 3-14-2022

A stunning Hermitage in every sense, the 2018 Hermitage Les Bessards comes from the steep, broken granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit on Hermitage Hill. Revealing a deep purple/violet color, it has a gorgeous nose of crème de cassis, scorched earth, violets, pepper, and a liquid rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with background oak, flawless balance, ripe yet present tannins, and a great, great finish. It's not a massive Hermitage (especially by this cuvée’s standards in the past) yet has gorgeous purity of fruit and an incredible sense of class. Give bottles 4-5 years (it offers pleasure even today) and it should keep for 30+ years or more. ~ (97) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 11-19-2020

Boasting classic Les Bessards notes of sun-warmed cassis and crushed stone, the 2018 Hermitage Les Bessards has turned out to be a magnificent wine—a close rival to the potentially perfect 2015. Full-bodied and velvety, concentrated and tannic, overflowing with notes of grilled plums, grilled meat and black olives, it's all topped off by a forever finish that remains fresh and cleansing, courtesy of lingering salted-licorice flavors and the texture of finely ground stone dust. Try a bottle after 2025, if you can wait that long. ~ (98) Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 5-13-2021

This is packed with intense dark fig, blackberry and boysenberry reduction flavors that show a subtle singed alder thread as they assert themselves, weaving around while mouthwatering anise and bay leaf notes filter through. The finish shows a late echo of scorched earth, with the fruit keeping pace. A dense and muscular wine, yet with superb detail. One for the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2038. 550 cases made, 50 cases imported. ~ (96) James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 2-28-2021