Winemaker Notes
Deep red garnet color. The aroma is of dark berries: black current and blackberries. The palate is very straight forward, with the dark berries supported by notes of spice lingering on a fresh and long finish with menthol and white pepper.
Blend: 71% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache, 9% Syrah, 8% Cinsault
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A bit more streamlined and structured than the 2018, this estate's excellent 2017 Bandol delivers notes of fine leather and fresh red berries. Aged in foudres, it's medium to full-bodied, tannic and firm, yet turns nicely silky on the lingering finish. The varietal composition is approximately 75% Mourvèdre, with the balance a mix of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Provence’s leader in concentrated and age-worthy red wines, Bandol is home to the dense, deep and earthy Mourvèdre grape. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol produces characterful reds that, while approachable in their youth, are typically designed for the cellar.
Given its coastal, Provencal situation, Bandol also naturally produces an assortment of charming, aromatic rosés made of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault.