2011 Bandol

In the same mold and loaded with fruit, the 2011 Bandol (55% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 15% Cinsault and 5% Carignan, aged all in foudre) is also medium to full-bodied and is beautifully balanced, polished and exceedingly drinkable. Plum sauce, licorice, spice and earthy notes all emerge here, and this supple, lengthy effort will impress for over a decade as well. Consisting of 14 hectares and run by Agnes Henry, Domaine de la Tour Bon makes a white (not reviewed here), a solid rose, two excellent reds, and a tiny amount of fortified sweet wine. Vinification for the reds is mostly traditional, with complete destemming, copious punch-downs and pump overs, and aging occurring all in older foudre. These are superb wines that are well worth seeking out. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524 & David Bowler Wine, tel: 212-807-1680; www.bowlerwine.com