Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge 2019

Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge is the estate's top wine, a Mourvèdre-dominant red from high-altitude terraces above the Mediterranean.

Bandol is the Mourvèdre appellation of Provence, a natural amphitheatre of terraced hillsides behind the coast where the variety ripens fully and the reds require at least eighteen months in wood before release. Château de Pibarnon sits at the top of that amphitheatre, and this cuvée is drawn only from the oldest vines and finest parcels of the property. The blend is 90 per cent Mourvèdre and 10 per cent Grenache, grown on the estate's high-altitude restanques on limestone and clay. Altitude, the influence of the sea and those soils together bring a freshness and purity uncommon in Mediterranean reds. The vineyard is farmed organically and biodynamically under chef de culture Éric Schladenhaufen, while in the cellar Marie Laroze works with wild yeasts, large-format oak, low sulphur and micro-batching by terroir, avoiding winemaking artefact. The wine is bright and juicy, with wild berry fruit, sage and tarragon, meaty charcuterie notes and an iodine-rich finish.

Approachable now but at its best from five years and good for twenty. Serve at 16-18°C with roast lamb, daube of beef or grilled game.

*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.