The titan of Delas's portfolio is their luxury cuvee, Hermitage Les Bessards. There are 500 cases of this offering, made from 70-year old Syrah vines in the famed Les Bessards vineyard (the dominant component of Chave's great Hermitages). The 2000 Hermitage Les Bessards should prove to be outstanding. The color is a deep blue/purple, and the nose offers classic aromas of creme de cassis, melted licorice, and creosote. It is sweet yet unevolved. This medium to full-bodied effort does not have the affliction of many 2000 northern Rhones ... a hole in the middle. It is ripe, fleshy, and rich, with moderately high tannin. It will last for 20-25 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. This is a good commercial example. The significant difference in quality between the outstanding 1999 northern Rhone vintage and the above average yet essentially correct 2000 is dramatically evidenced in Delas's wines. The 2000 red offerings reveal charming ripeness, but also the vintage's softness, lightness, and lack of depth. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000.