Hecht & Bannier Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2007
-
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
For the 2007 blend, the spicy and smoked character of Grenache seems dominate first, but other fruity and mineral touches should be revealed in bottle. From spring 2010, the wine will share all its complexity.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages from geologically diverse sites in a half dozen outstanding villages is composed primarily of Grenache, with smaller amounts of Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvedre. “The Carignan” from high elevation Belesta and Caramany “is key,” maintains Hecht, because Grenache from schist in Maury (which make up about a quarter of the blend) can represent too much richness and blatant fruitiness. High-toned mint, cherry distillate, blackberry liqueur, and floral notes as if from some exotic orchid light up the nose and lead to a deeply rich, opulent palate. Like the corresponding 2007 Faugeres (reviewed in my Languedoc report), this shows more obvious sweetness of fruit and viscosity than previous renditions, yet ups the ante in all other departments as well, and the last thing that comes to mind here is over-ripeness or heaviness. On the contrary, there is terrific energy and lift, leading to a polished, savory, persistently stimulating finish. 92-93 Points
Other Vintages
2015-
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
Formed 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.”
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
An appellation solely for dry red wines from Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon-Villages is a step up in quality compared to, simply, Côtes du Roussillon. The area is in the northern third of Roussillon, bordered on its southern end by the Têt River, which runs precisely from west to east. Five villages can append their own name to the Côtes du Roussillon-Villages appellation name: Caramany, Latour de France, Lesquerde, Tautavel and the last, south of the Têt River, Les Aspres.
Côtes du Roussillon-Villages red wines are blends made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and small amounts of Carignan, Cinsault and the lesser known, Lledoner Pelut (a relative of Grenache).