(92-93)/100
The Hecht & Bannier 2007 Saint-Chinian comes from Syrah, Grenache, very little Mourvedre, and little or no Carignan “as far as we know,” they say, laughing, since old “Grenache” blocks are by no means certified. The fruit represents all three basic soils of the appellation: schist, chalk, and sandstone, and a portion of the wine never sees wood, in order to help maintain vivacity. Pungent iris and marigold and crushed stone mingle with black fruits in the nose. A palpably extract-rich palate is loaded with savory, saline, meaty, and spicy character, as well as the seeming suffusion of crushed stone so vividly projected by previous vintages of this blend. Like all of the best 2007s, this combines invigoratingly fresh fruit with depth and density. It’s hard to ask for more dynamic complexity in a Languedoc wine for the price of this amazing value. Look for it to perform well for 6-8 years. US$22
