(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
