Mature and delightful

The Mourvedre contributes to some of the greatest wines of the Southern Rhone - Beaucastel’s magnificent Homage a Jacques Perrin for instance. But usually in a blend adding power , endurance and fabulous savoury notes to Grenache and Syrah. But its at Bandol , at least here in France, that the grape is found In its pure form. The estate Domainr de Pibarnon is amongst the greatest expressions of Mourvedre. Bandol wines have a reputation for aging longer than practically any wine from the South, the uber high tannin levels supporting a life long into the 4th decade or longer for the best wines- at dinner this week ( many thanks Muriel) we were treated to a test of this theory - the 1988 vintage of Pibarnon , holding up very well, no loss at all of colour, stupendous figgy pudding aromas and layered savoury and provencal herb notes on the palate. Great experience!