HECHT & BANNIERCountry: France Region: South of France Hecht & BannierFormed in 2002, Hecht et Bannier produces wines that are reference points for the Roussillon, Languedoc and Provence. Founders Gregory Hecht and François Bannier note: "To conserve the typical Mediterranean strength in our wines while preserving balance and crispness, this is our mantra for all the appellations we produce." This cutting-edge firm is one of the south's most exciting projects in recent memory, and promises to be a formidable player with dramatic impact in the region. Hecht & Bannier is at the forefront of a revolution in quality in the diverse appellations of Roussillon, Languedoc and Provence. From Côtes du Roussillon Villages to Languedoc Red to Côtes de Provence Rosé, each of Hecht & Bannier's wines is typically based on 5-10 different parcels found to be of exceptional quality. These blends are then vinified and bottled to best represent each appellation in the range. All Hecht & Bannier crus are aged for two years in large, traditional "Demi Muids" (600L) wood barrels that insure preservation of fruit quality and impart "resistance" to the wines allowing them to age well. A portion of each wine is aged in neutral concrete vats to focus the expression of fruit and appellation. The Wine Advocate June 30th, 2011, noted: "Gregory Hecht and François Bannier's are living up to the challenge they set themselves, namely to render, as négociants...wines that can stand comparison with those of each respective appellation's top estates."
Decanter 90 A delicate nose with a floral, herbal hint - juniper and rosemary. A duality of a wine showing sweetness yet acidic freshness, a clear
Wine Spectator 88 “Ripe raspberry and currant notes are backed by fresh acidity that highlights the licorice, floral and mineral details. Moderate, integrated tannins structure the
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Decanter 92 “Ripe raspberry, red apple notes; good intensity and weight, fresh acidity, nice complexity with lovely fleshy pears and mineral notes.”
Wine Spectator 90 A plush, medium-to-full-bodied red, with cherry tart and raspberry flavors detailed by anise, mocha and baking spice accents. Graphite and herb elements
Wine Spectator 90 “A hefty red, with dried red berry, olive and earthy notes, marked by dried herb and licorice accents. Ferrous mineral, cured meat and
"The Hecht Bannier Bandol is a rosé based on nearly 60% of Mourvedre, the wine is complex, with more structure than a traditional rosé in
Wine Spectator 88 "Dried cherry, balsamic and licorice notes are the hallmarks of this full-bodied red, with supple tannins framing herb, olive tapenade and spice notes
Wine Advocate 90 Offering ample red and black fruits, smoked meats, spice and even hints of chocolate, the 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages is medium-bodied, pure
Wine Spectator 90 "Pureed raspberry, plum and spice flavors are lined with dusty tannins in this fresh, focused red. Hints of milk chocolate add a touch
Wine Advocate 90-91 "Gregory Hecht calls 2012 the revenge of the Syrah in Roussillon. Tasted assembled from tank, this 2012 exhibits a Syrah-typical, soy-like streak
Wine Spectator 91 "Suave and rich, with effusively fruity flavors of blackberry, dark plum, blueberry and spice. Features medium-grained tannins, with some graphite and mineral notes.
Wine Spectator 91 "A rich and extracted style, with luscious dark fruit, blackberry and tar flavors that are well-structured. Features hints of licorice snap midpalate, leading
Wine Advocate 91-92+ "Tasted as a pre-assemblage from barrel, the Hecht & Bannier 2010 Cotes du Roussillon Villages is colorfully fruited with suggestions of black raspberry,
Wine Advocate 93-94 "Despite the overall shortage of wine in this vintage and their resolute attachment to Mourvedre as a core component, Hecht and Bannier manages
Robert Parker 90-91+ "Hecht and Bannier's 2010 Minervois is as usual Syrah-dominated, with Grenache and Carignan. This combines the extra measure of glycerin and jam-like
Wine Advocate 93-94 "Around 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Carignan and Cinsault, Hecht and Bannier's 2009 Faugeres - tasted as a pre-assemblage - is
"Bottled in July, 2011, Hecht and Bannier's 2008 Minervois, strikes pungently herbal themes - here, especially, lavender and rosemary - such as found in the
Wine Advocate 90 "Hecht & Banniers 2007 Minervois leans heavily on Syrah from La Liviniere, along with some Grenache and Carignan. Prior tobottling (and with the
Robert Parker 91 "The Hecht & Bannier 2005 Cotes du Roussillon Villages is 70% Grenache, with small components of Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre, and was sourced
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