Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge 2018

Château de Pibarnon's Bandol Rouge is the estate's top wine and one of the great mountain Bandols, ninety per cent Mourvèdre from high-altitude terraces.

Bandol lies on the Provençal coast east of Marseille and is the one French appellation where Mourvèdre reliably ripens, requiring at least half the blend and typically far more. Pibarnon sits well above the sea on an outcrop of Trias limestone and clay, its vines planted on restanques, the narrow dry-stone terraces cut into the slope. The altitude, the maritime influence and those soils together give a freshness and purity uncommon among Mediterranean reds. This cuvée uses only the fruit of the oldest vines and the finest parcels, blended with ten per cent Grenache. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically under the young chef de culture Éric Schladenhaufen, and in the cellar Marie Laroze avoids winemaking artefact, working with wild yeasts, large-format oak, low sulphur and micro-batches kept separate by terroir. The house has always made a Bandol of finesse, and the style has grown more refined still.

Give it five to ten years and expect twenty or more; decant if opened young. Serve with daube of beef, roast lamb with herbs or game at 16-18°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.