Light, medium bodied with fresh ripered fruits Ruby colour.

What incredible aromatics on this wine with aromas of sweet ripe berries, blackberry, prunes, savoury herbs, smoke, leather and some mineral component. On the palate, medium bodied, balance acidity, well integrated tannins. Very good length and smooth on the finish with flavours of ripe berries, vanilla and savoury spices. A very elegant, finely textured, fruit driven and fragrant wine at a great value.

The 2008 Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, composed of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah and aged in oak barrels for 24 months; is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with appealing aromas of blackberry, strawberry and raspberry, as well as hints of caramel and charred oak. At opening, it is somewhat tangy and quite alcoholic (15%), however after more than 1 hour decanting, it loses its alcohol grip and smoother wine emerges. It still needs to be aged for the structure to become balanced, as right now it is slightly acidic, tannins are refined to tannic and the finish is smooth of medium to long length. Lay this one down for few years for it to integrate, drink 2014/15-2020 and beyond as time will enhance this wine. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90.5 pts - recommended buy. Tasted March/12.

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Good Call Dan! This is a classy, smooth tasting wine from Southern Rhone. Fresh off the exciting news of an upcoming Anchorman sequel, this wine is like Ron Burgundy lounging in his apartment. Its a bit of a big deal, plush like his bathrobe, and smells of leather-bound books and deep mahogany. Let this decant for an hour before you pair it with channel 4′s breaking news of the human torch being denied a bank loan. Stay classy San Diego!

Ripe, concentrated, classic southern French red. Dark fruits, with notes of pepper, and local herbs. Very good value. For drinking now and over the next few years. Yum! Tasted Feb 2013.

a bit puckering, slightly dusty, licorice, leathery hints

Reminiscent of Chateauneuf-du-pape and much cheaper. The nose is really quite incredible - lots of dark fruit, spice and dried herb character. Quite reserved in comparison to new world GSM, but still quite plush and with great complexity. A classy wine and a producer I will pay more attention to.

As the winealign critics say, this is an excellent wine. Intense and yummy with good complexity to boot.