2004 Bandol Tourtine

The Tourtine vineyard is fully south facing and has the perfect exposition and soil structure for the Mourvèdre grape to ripen fully. 90% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache. Deep crimson with smudgy rim. Beautifully expressive on the nose with a finely dusty, red-fruited lift in the aroma. Spicy and complex with a touch of undergrowth and cigar box but still incredibly full of dark fruit. Still chewy even though the tannins are smooth. There’s a density here and an amazing youthfulness that makes me reconsider my drink dates of the wines I have already tasted. More savoury on the palate too, but with so much energy for a mature wine and so much more to come. (JH)

This is a beautiful Bandol from Tempier with another bewitching nose of blackberry, boysenberry, leather and a touch of tar. The palate is full bodied, well defined with exquisite balance and purity. Like the 2005, there is a minerality here that lends the wine character. Touch of bitter cherry lingers on the after taste. Very long and persistency. Cellaring essential for this stupendous wine. Drinking 2015-2030

This is a beautiful Bandol from Tempier with another bewitching nose of blackberry, boysenberry, leather and a touch of tar. The palate is full bodied, well defined with exquisite balance and purity. Like the 2005, there is a minerality here that lends the wine character. Touch of bitter cherry lingers on the after taste. Very long and persistency. Cellaring essential for this stupendous wine. Drinking 2015-2030 Wine Advocate.June, 2007