Château de Pibarnon Bandol 2012

While most 2012s from the region are slightly superficial and charming, Pibarnon’s 2012 Bandol Rouge has real depth and density, as well as fabulous notes of garrigue, toasted spices, dried Provencal herbs, and sweet red and black fruits. It has present tannin, yet they’re polished and nicely integrated into the wine, and while this beauty will have 15 years of more of overall longevity, it’s already hard to resist today. The blend of the 2012 is 92% Mourvèdre and 8% Grenache, all of which saw an extended maceration and 18-20 months in larger foudres. This is a fabulous Bandol that readers should seek out!

A generous 'fireside' red, with a resplendent mélange and depth of roasted fruit, sweet-spice and herbal characters, enveloped by firm but ripe tannins and swelled by crisp acidity. Excellent typicity and persistence.