Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The first vintage of this wine from the Gueissard family's Bandol vineyard is made from old vines and aged for 18 months in wood. Rich and concentrated with wonderful spice from the 70% Mourvèdre, the wine is an impressive medley of dark fruits, black currant and spice from the wood aging. It needs to age longer; drink from 2018.
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Wine Spectator
Dark blackberry and plum reduction notes form the core, with studs of dried star anise, sweet tobacco and fruitcake adding range. Offers a solid, grippy, bramble-edged finish. Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Grenache. Best from 2016 through 2022. 100 cases made.
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.