(93-94)/100
Around 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Carignan and Cinsault, Hecht and Bannier’s 2009 Faugeres – tasted as a pre-assemblage – is dominated by very ripe yet fresh blackberry, purple plum, and dark cherry. Seamlessly sweet and finely polished – almost creamy – I concur with Hecht when he claims that “even though in many instances it’s the other way around, here we have much riper tannins than in 2007.” Crushed stone, iodine, peat, dark chocolate, resinous herbs, red meat juices, and saline, savory pan drippings make for a complex, layered yet dynamic and utterly mouthwatering performance. This demonstration of its appellation’s profound potential is yet another Hecht & Bannier triumph in the context of its vintage! I would anticipate a decade of fascination and sensual satisfaction. US$35
