Winemaker Notes
The wine displays a vibrant purple hue with pronounced aromas of black fruits and subtle hints of licorice that develop with aeration, while the palate is fresh and concentrated, supported by refined tannins and culminating in an elegant floral and spicy finish, making it an excellent companion for roasted root vegetables and savory herbs.
Blend: 83% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache 7% Others
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
Stylish, dark and spicy, this courses with black pepper, bitter earth, warm rock and singed lavender notes. A thick, weighty bruiser of a red, with tannins still holding their firm grip, plus singed rosemary on the long, mineral-rich finish. Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsaut and Syrah. Best from 2027 through 2035.
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.