2015 Chateau Val D'Arenc Fontbrune Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

This was a new house for me. In a blind tasting, it was the groups #2 wine. While it did not rank quite that high for me, it is an outstanding wine to be sure. A blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault, and 15% Grenache. Purple in color with some ruby swirls. Bright. The nose has a cherry sweet tart quality. Also fresh cherries and sour cherries. Slight earthiness with a touch of volatile acidity. On the palate, this has a slick texture. Slight tannins. Black cherry fruit. Medium finish. This may still improve a bit as it is still young. It should easily have five to seven more years and probably more. It drinks great on its own and will work well with a wide range of foods. At $19, this is a tremendous value.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2015

Current Price:

$19.00USD

2015 Domaine du Gros 'Noré Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$36.00USD

This was tasted blind with a monthly tasting group. It came in first place. When we did a similar tasting a few years back, it also came in first place. While, I did not have it in first place, it is an excellent wine and a great value. A Kermit Lynch import. Purple in color, slightly flat. The nose is very fresh. Cherries, slight root beer and the slightest bit of volatile acidity. It has a wonderful texture on the palate. Black raspberry fruit. Firm tannins. Nice depth although tight. A long finish. This drinks great on its own and will work with heavier meats or fowl. This

2013 Château de Pibarnon Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2013

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$40.00USD

Purple in color with ruby swirls. Slight volatile acidity on the nose. Plums, sour cherries, and slight black licorice. On the palate, this has a great texture. Medium tannins. This is still young but is delicious. Plums and black cherries. Long finish. This will go well with stews or roasts or even Indian foods. It is drinking well now but should easily have a decade left.

2018 Château Minuty Côtes de Provence M, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$21.00USD

I don't know where you live, but here on the shores of Lake Erie, its been a wet, cool spring. That might be good for the grapevines, but its put a bit of a damper on drinking outside. But, it looks like we finally made it. Time to open up some Rose! This is a very attractively packaged rose from Provence. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. It is quite pale pale salmon pink in color, clear and bright. On the nose, this has lots of fresh strawberries, slight hint of orange peel and and a nice minerality. On the palate, this has a bigger texture than it light color might lead o

2001 Château de Pibarnon Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2001

Score:

Grade:

This is showing some age but for those who like older wines, this is quite good. It also has a nice rustic quality which seems to be standard for this producer. Purple in color, flat but no real browning. The nose has some volatile acidity along with plums, dust and slight black olives. On the palate, this still has medium tannins. Black cherry fruit. There is some complexity and depth though not a ton. Good finish. This probably doesn't get better from here though it seems likely to stay at this level for a few more years at least. It will work better at the table than on its own.

2018 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$40.00USD

This is 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 20% Cinsault. Arguably the best Rose made today. Certainly, it is right up there with a rich track record. This vintage is another winner. A salmon pink and copper color. The nose is very pretty with watermelon along with a slight strawberry and a steely quality. On the palate, this is light and crisp. Slight tannins. Slightly oily texture. Strawberries and slight watermelon notes. Supple. This seems more rounded that some vintages. Good finish. This is very food friendly and will go with almost any food or on its own. These are suppose

2015 Chateau Val D'Arenc Fontbrune Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

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