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 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." ~D.S.

Rhone Report 93+
"Easily my favorite of the lineup and also the most dense and structured, the 2009 Hecht & Bannier Faugeres is roughly 60% Syrah, with the balance a mix of Mourvedre, Carignan, and Cinsault. Aged half in new demi-muids, with the balance in neutral wood and tank, it delivers a thrilling, exceptionally pure profile with smoke-laced black fruits, raspberry ganache, tar, meat juice, and licorice all showing on the nose. Beautifully rich, layered, and balanced in the mouth, with excellent acidity, a seriously broad, chewy mid-palate, and a mineral-driven, tannic finish, this gorgeous Faugeres should benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of 10-12 years of overall longevity." ~JD