Discover an Appellation with Philippe's
BANDOL
After introducing the vineyard of Nuits-Saint-Georges in Burgundy and the two connected appellations of Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet in the Northern Rhône, we now head toward the very southern part of France to discover Bandol.
Located in Provence, Bandol is set on the Mediterranean coast, between Marseille and Toulon. It is the only French appellation whose wines are dominated by the Mourvèdre grape, a late-ripening varietal, which thrives on these limestone and silicon soils. The warm coastal climate is also perfect for the grape which must account for at least 50% of the blend in both red and rosé wines, with Grenache and Cinsault usually completing the composition, the former bringing generosity to the wine, the latter giving it finesse. Syrah and Carignan are restricted in Bandol to 15% of the Blend or 10% individually.
70% of the production in Bandol is red, with the rest split between white and rosé.
Bandol is definitively red. Powerful, with natural distinction and great character, Bandol red wines, however diverse they may be, all have the specific character of Mourvèdre in common. Bandol red is the spearhead of the appellation. It expresses its true nature in aromas of Havana, leather, and undergrowth that blossom against a mineral background, and shows even more complex notes with the subtlety of each vintage. In its youth, it reveals aromas of licorice, black fruits and violet notes. As it ages, it uncovers flavors of red fruits, jam, Morello cherry, spices, humus, undergrowth, leather, and truffle. After a minimum 18 months’ aging in wood, the tannic character of Mourvèdre will endow it with a complex, ample and elegant structure. Although it is the perfect type of wine for cellaring, one can also enjoy it in all the strength and generosity of its youth: that is the paradoxical nature of Bandol red wine. It delivers some part of its enormous potential at every stage of its evolution. To those who can bide their time, a 10, 20, or 25-year-old Bandol will be delightfully enjoyable.
Bandol rosés are enchanting. Their roundness and generosity make them different from other rosé wines. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault combine to give, by direct-pressing, a well-built, refined, pale-colored wine with delicate salmon hues. With all the subtle shades that enhance their color, Bandol rosés whole-heartedly express the specific characteristics of their terroir. They are to be enjoyed in their youth when their great freshness is most captivating; however, the presence of Mourvèdre brings out their typicity and encourages laying them down, as is the rule for red wines. Long-lived rosés acquire exceptional temperament and flavors. They are served at the most renowned tables; their complexity allows a great variety in food pairings.
To unveil the secret of Bandol, one must also taste its white wines. The wine growers take delight in surprising wine lovers with this style of wine, produced in very low quantities. Clairette, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc are the base of the varietal mix. Often made from grapes growing on hillsides facing north, which are invigorated by the sea breeze that heightens their freshness, Bandol whites have a clean attack followed by a complex harmony of aromas such as white flowers, citrus, exotic fruits or fruits from the orchard.
Today, we will focus mostly on the Red wines of the appellation. The following are available, even if some are in very small quantities:
2010 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé
An expansive bouquet evokes wild strawberry, redcurrant, blood orange and musky herbs, with a sexy floral quality gaining power with air. Manages to be both nervy and rich, and finishes with strong cut and lingering minerality.
Reg Price: $39.99 – Discovery Price: $35.00
2004 Chateau des Baumelles Bandol
Consisting of 86% Mourvedre, this has a very tight nose of ripe blackberry, a touch of tinned prune and dates. Good definition but needs a little more vigor. A full-bodied, ripe palate: tannic, stem and masculine. Good typicity, not a Bandol willing to compromise with blackberry, pain grillé and black pepper. Just lacks a flourish on the finish but very attractive. Drinking 2012 - 2020
Reg Price: $24.99 – Discovery Price: $22.00
2004 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol
This has a lovely rounded, earthy nose with rounded red-berry fruit: raspberry, boysenberry, crushed stones and a touch of red cherry. The palate has great minerality and tension, good acidity, lovely poise and focus with hints of white pepper towards the finish. Superb. Drink 2011 - 2020
Reg Price: $39.99 – Discovery Price: $35.00
2005 Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol
This has a relatively light nose compared to the 2006, ripe blackberry, briery and wild hedgerow. The palate is well-balanced and tightly-coiled with notes of blackberry, raspberry, a touch of green oilve. Rounded and spicy toward the finish. Drink until 2016.
Reg Price: $129.99 – Discovery Price: $114.00 Magnum size
2006 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua
A pure and powerful red, finely polished and structured, with a broad swath of red plum, raspberry and cherry flavors. There's concentrated cedar and cigar box in the finish. Tempting now.
Reg Price: $69.99 – Discovery Price: $61.00
2007 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua
It is a great vintage for Tempier in the sense that the reds have quite a monumental quality, grand wines brimming with flavor, and they will obviously age almost forever. To compare them to something, trying to give you an idea of the vintage style, I'd look to stunning Bordeaux vintages like 1945 or 1947.
La Migoua is fat and sweet and juicy. The nose combines ripe black cherry with dried thyme and other local herbs.
Reg Price: $69.99 – Discovery Price: $61.00
2007 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine
It is a great vintage for Tempier in the sense that the reds have quite a monumental quality, grand wines brimming with flavor, and they will obviously age almost forever. To compare them to something, trying to give you an idea of the vintage style, I'd look to stunning Bordeaux vintages like 1945 or 1947.
Tourtine is the aristocrat - perfectly formed, lean, muscular - and more closed at the beginning of its life than Migoua. The infinite depth is obvious. It shows more dried herbs, a dash of black pepper, and Ravier said it reminds him of the smell of a good steak on the grill.
Reg Price: $74.99 – Discovery Price: $66.00
If you are interested by any of these wines, please reply to this email and we will put your wines aside.
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