Top Ten Smart Buy
Topping the smart buys list this week is another fine value from Hecht & Bannier, the 2010 Côtes du Roussillon Villages ($23.95). I’ve highlighted wines from this premium negociant before as the quality/pleasure/price rapport is generally excellent accross the range. Hecht and Bannier are merchants who purchase grapes and wines from growers throughout the Midi of France, from Provence to Perpignan.
The majority of vineyards are certified organic, very old and low yielding. The house has no contracts with growers, which means flexibility to select the best grapes/juice/wine of each vintage. And despite being known as the highest-paying negociant in the region, the value offered is excellent.
The wine is comprised of grenache from the village of Maury (also known for it’s amazing part-like fortified grenache), plus syrah and carignan from Belesta and Caramany, and mourvèdre from Tautavel. The resulting blend is explosive and concentrated, with ultra ripe but not jammy black and blue fruit, cold smoke, blueberry pie and wet schist, while the palate reveals substantial structure and depth, with remarkable density and complexity. It’s easily the equal of many Chateauneuf-du-Papes at half the price.
