A la vue, le vin est limpide avec une robe rouge rubis aux nuances pourpres. Le bouquet est ouvert, fruité épicé, enrichi par des notes de cacao, vanille et cerise. La structure est tannique, riche, avec une belle puissance. La fin de bouche est chaleureuse. Vieillissement: 2-3 ans. Décantation: oui. Température de service: 16°. Accord […]
Gregory Hecht and François Bannier’s young negociant operation promises to be an outstanding source for wines of the Languedoc and Roussillon, and I am only sorry I did not have opportunity to taste more than a half dozen of their recent releases. They talk of aging their reds in foudres or demi-muid « to conserve the […]
91/100 Their 2003 Côtes du Roussillon Villages (from Grenache and Carignan with a bit of Syrah and Mourvèdre) represents a selection for the best half dozen districts and soils of Roussillon, matured mostly in larger-than-barrique barrels. Aromas of black cherry, soy, resin and herbs lead to a polished, indeed positively creamy palate loaded with cherry […]
89/100 In the nose Hecht & Bannier’s 2004 Minervois (a Syrah-Grenache-Carignan blend) mingles dried and distilled fruits (cassis, cherry, cranberry) with garrigues and ocean spray minerality. Brimming with sappy fruit, resinous herbs, and a meaty pan dripping-like essence, this wine displays a lovely counterpoint of creamy texture with bright, subtly tart fruit and a satisfyingly-long […]
92/100 The Hecht & Bannier 2003 Saint Chinian (from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre) utterly belies its vintage, while demonstrating the heights to which its appellation can aspire. Wood smoke, wet stones, sweat, and toasted walnut all inflect the blueberry and boysenberry aromas, leading to a luscious, smoothly-textured palate full of blue fruit and meat stock […]
15/20 Intense, rich and very ripe, sweet and alcoholic with pretty tought tannins from presumably rain-starved fruit. Certainly not a comfortable drink at the moment. The dry tannins dominate the palate and all in all the wine sucks the juices out of the palate. It may get there eventually but there are many more winning […]
17/20 Dark crimson. Very hot, rich nose with lots of succulent fruit – a certain ethereal quality on the palate and good evidence of Saint Chinian schist. Very dark crimson. 13,5% – Drink 2007-2010.
16/20 Very rich and reassuring – broad and almost ready, although there is no shortage of well handled tannin. 13,5% – Drink 2007-2010.
