In the nose Hecht & Bannier’s 2004 Minervois (a Syrah-Grenache-Carignan blend) mingles dried and distilled fruits (cassis, cherry, cranberry) with garrigues and ocean spray minerality. Brimming with sappy fruit, resinous herbs, and a meaty pan dripping-like essence, this wine displays a lovely counterpoint of creamy texture with bright, subtly tart fruit and a satisfyingly-long finish. Gregory Hecht and Francois Bannier’s young negociant operation promises to be an outstanding source for wines of the Languedoc and Roussillon, and I am only sorry I did not have opportunity to taste more than a half dozen of their recent releases (one a scrumptious rose of Syrah). They talk of aging their reds in foudres or demi-muid “to conserve the typical Mediterranean strength of our wines, while preserving balance and crispness” and they certainly walk the corresponding walk!Hecht & Bannier Selections (various importers); fax 011 33 4 6774 66 45

A big, burly rich wine, dominated by Syrah and by wood tannins. It is fruity, full of black plums and boysenberries, low in acidity, but structured with some good tannins. It’s a wine to drink now.——R.V.(12/15/2007)—— 88