CHATEAU DE PIBARNON 'Bandol' Red 2012
Red
2012
Provence
Bandol
Mourvèdre
Organic
Tasting Notes & Ratings
Grape
90% Mourvèdre, 10 % Grenache
Tasting notes
Pibarnon’s top cuvée is a benchmark expression of Bandol, often referred to as one of the great mountain Bandols. A blend of 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache, it hails from the estate’s oldest vines rooted in high-altitude restanques (terraced vineyards), including sites like Bel-Air, La Grande Paguette, La Falaise, Les Pointes Blanches, Le Col, and Les Dolmens.
Thanks to the cooling influence of the sea breeze, the limestone-clay soils, and the altitude, this wine delivers a remarkable balance of power and elegance. Deep and structured, it shows dark fruit, garrigue, spice, and graphite, with the trademark freshness and tension that make it stand out among Mediterranean reds. A wine with serious aging potential, and a true expression of Mourvèdre in its noblest form.
Expert Ratings
Wine Enthusiast 90/100
"While the wine is a touch gamy, it also has a ripe, fruity character. There is a touch of wood, underlining the acidity and juicy red fruits. The finish brings out the richness of the vintage."
Wine Advocate 94/100
" Another awesome wine is the 2009 Bandol, which is much more in the style of the exuberant, sexy 2011 than the cooler, serious 2010. Notes of salted meats, exotics spices, licorice, currants and plums all emerge from this deep, full-bodied, concentrated and sexy beauty. It has the fruit and texture to impress today, yet will cruise for another 10-15 years. (JD)"