2016 La Bastide Blanche Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

This is young but what a beautiful Bandol. Inky purple in color. A lovely nose with black cherries, black olives and just a hint of funk. On the palate, this is very lively. Light tannins. Medium bodied. Great acidity. Lots of black cherry fruit. Depth but tight. Long finish. This is delicious now, but could easily show a point or two of improvement in three to five years as it develops. Great on its own, it needs bigger foods to pair with now but that should broaden with age. Easily has another decade of life.

Grade:

Score:

Vintage:

2016

Current Price:

$25.00USD

2016 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

A blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, and 4% Syrah. This was part of a tasting that taught me that, more than most Bandol's, Tempier's will need plenty of cellar time to peak. This was tasty now, but just felt like it was holding back. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is tight. With air, some black cherries come out. Eventually a bit of spice as well. On the palate, this has a great texture. Very deep but tightly wound. Black cherry fruit. Plenty of tannins. Long finish. If drinking now give it a few hours in a decanter. Otherwise cellar for ten more years. This

2016 Domaine Tempier Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$45.00USD

This is 75% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, and 2% Carignan. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is tight. Dusty with black cherries. On the palate, this has a wonderful glycerin texture but is tight as a drum. Not much fruit today. Some slightly bitter notes. With air some black cherries come out. Shorter finish. This keeps getting better with air so if drinking soon, give it a few hours in a decanter. Better to wait five to ten more years on it. All that said, it's perhaps harsh as the overall experience is still very pleasing. It will need big food today to pair

2007 Domaine Tempier Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

A-

This is a big wine that is still not giving up much. The question at age 12 is when, if ever, it will reach that optimum peak. Purple in color. The nose is very tight. With air some black raspberries and black olives come out. On the palate, this is very tannic. Some black raspberry fruit with a bit of black licorice. When the tannins finally integrate will there be any fruit left? That is the key question. It is a very good wine today, but is this as good as it gets? Given the reputation of the winery, one hope for more. Let's this sit for a while and check back in three to five

2015 Domaine de la Begude Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$55.00USD

Another new winery for me (which is always fun). Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries, a charred earthiness and black olives. On the palate this has light tannins, black cherry fruit with a nice back bone of acidity. This is young but drinks well on its own. It should gain some complexity. Hold for a three years and drink over the next five to seven. It will go well with stews and fowl.

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.

2016 La Bastide Blanche Bandol, France, Provence, Wine Review

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