The leavening of spice and pepper on this blend of mainly Syrah with Grenache and Mourvèdre brings an extra dimension to the berry flavours. £12.95, Berry Bros & Rudd – Anthony Rose.
**** Un nez grillé et réglissé, avec des notes de fruits noirs, de cacao. La bouche est lissée, très aromatique, avec des tanins matures, un boisé harmonieux.
Nul doute que ce Saint Chinian 2003, Hecht & Bannier, composé de Syrah en grande majorité, de grenache et de mourvèdre saura relever le défi de l’harmonie de sa couleur riche et profonde, de ses tanins mûrs et enrobés, et surtout de ses saveurs poivrées mêlées de jolis parfums de garrigue. Un must en Languedoc! […]
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 […]
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.
17/20 – 14,90 €
86/100 Taut, sinewy red, with cherry, leather and mineral flavors, and some tobacco and smoke on the finish. Good spicy nuances in this as well. Drink now through 2008. 1,000 cases made – US$ 23 — K.M.
88/100 This Syrah-dominated blend is ripe, highly perfumed and has a lively mineral character. A ripe and vibrant wine flavored with dense, red fruits. — R.V.
88/100 A ripe, juicy charmer of a wine, aromatic and perfumed. Raspberry flavors, acidity and soft tannins come together and are underpinned by flavors of new wood and sweetness. — R.V.
16.5/20 Very savoury and appetising nose. Hint of tar and lots of Syrah, even verging on underripe Syrah!!! Not a characteristic savour in this line-up. Lovers of the 2003’s might call this a bit scrawny. 13%