2017 Domaine La Suffrene Bandol Cuvée Les Lauves

Mocha, plum and cola notes define the nose of the 2017 Bandol Rouge Les Lauves, a foudre-aged blend of 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan. That dark fruit reverberates on the full-bodied palate, turning almost chocolaty on the long, softly dusty finish. Despite those positive attributes, the overall feeling is a bit too ripe, with a certain lack of freshness and energy. Drink soon.