The 2004 Hermitage les Bessards is an elegant, layered and ready-to-go Hermitage that gives up classic smoked duck, Asian spices, soy, mineral and assorted dark fruits. It's medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced and seamless, with lots of charm. Drinking beautifully today, enjoy bottles anytime over the coming decade. Drink 2015-2025.
93 points – Jeb Dunnuck (eRobertParker.com, Sept 2015)

The top cuvee of the house (but with the production limited to approximately 500 or so cases) is the Hermitage Les Bessards, only made in the best vintages. The 2004 Hermitage Les Bessards has dense ruby/purple color and a beautifully sweet nose of creme de cassis, underbrush, mineral, and subtle oak. The tannins are relatively supple, but the wine is rich, full-bodied, and atypically thick and intense for a 2004. This is a beauty and reminiscent of Chave’s brilliant 2004 red Hermitage, combining both power and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
94 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #170, April 2007)

Medium ruby. Intensely mineral and tangy on the nose, with explosive, powerful scents of inky blackcurrant, ripe plum, tobacco, graphite and licorice. Quite broad and velvety but the dark fruit tones also possess terrific grip and weight. Finishes with explosive dark berry tones that gain intensity with aeration. The brooding graphite, iron and fresh tobacco tones expand through the finish. "Bessards is certainly the best vineyard of Hermitage," states Grange. "Meal is a hotter spot that gives more alcohol, and Greffieux is second best."