2014 Bandol

95% Mourvèdre (over 50 years old), 5% Grenache (over 50 years old), Clay-limestone soils on Le Castellet. Very deep crimson (much deeper than the Tardieu Laurent 2014s from the southern Rhône). Spicy, lively nose. Much more intensity than in the southern Rhône reds. Rich and rewarding on the nose. Real structure and vivacity here. Still youthful but there is fruit concentration on the mid palate. At the moment just a tad skinny with slightly drying tannins on the end but it should bulk out and there is no heat on the finish. (JR)