This is a review of the Delas Frères Les Bessards Hermitage Magnum 1.5L 2011, one of the top-rated wines of its vintage. It is made from 100% Syrah grapes and has been aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak barrels. The wine has an inky purple colour and a rich, pure aroma of smoked earth, ground pepper, underbrush, and licorice, complemented by black raspberry and cassis-styled fruit notes.

The Delas Frères Les Bessards Hermitage Magnum 1.5L 2011 comes in a magnum-sized bottle, which holds 1.5 litres of wine. This larger bottle size offers several advantages over a standard 750 ml bottle. Firstly, it allows for a slower and more even aging process as there is less oxygen contact with the wine due to a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio. Secondly, the magnum bottle size is known to enhance the wine's aromatics and flavour profile, resulting in a more complex and refined wine. Finally, it is perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.

Overall, the Delas Frères Les Bessards Hermitage Magnum 1.5L 2011 is a fantastic wine that defies the vintage stereotype with its exceptional quality and structure. While it may require some short-term cellaring to fully appreciate its complexity, it is well worth the wait.