Description
Is it possible that Bandol is France's most underrated region? Admittedly, neighboring Provence and southern Rhône icons like Châteauneuf-du-Pape cast a long shadow. But Bandol is worthy of its own spotlight.
With its proximity to the sea, warm Mediterranean sun, and distinct limestone soils, Bandol is uniquely suited to produce elegant, structured, and seriously age-worthy wines from Mourvedre, a late-ripening variety that thrives in sunny, maritime climates. It cuts a distinct profile: dark forest fruits, niçoise olives, wild game, mixed peppercorns, with a firm tannic structure and savory complexity. In its youth, Mourvedre can be challenging, almost feral. But time in the bottle unlocks the variety's aromatic profile, the tannins integrate, and those dark wild berries seem to almost melt across the palate.
It takes a deft hand and experience to achieve balance in Mourvedre. Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles, an organic estate founded nearly 400 years ago, has exactly that. Nestled in the protective hillsides of the Cadière d'Azur, the 10ha estate benefits from cooling sea breezes that extend the hours of ripening and prevent overheating, and clay-rich soils to retain moisture through the hottest points of the summer.
Their top cuvée, Cuvée les Hauts de Lafran (Cuvée Spéciale), is a selection of their best plots aged in large, neutral barrels for 24 months. In any year, it's a tremendous showcase of Bandol Rouge. In the excellent 2016 vintage, it encapsulates the best of what the region can produce. Versatile and beautifully poised, muscular yet elegant: leather and cassis, warm spice throughout, supple tannins, and a lingering finish. And after nearly a decade, it's just now hitting its stride.
We recently took the last cases from our importer after he announced his upcoming retirement, and in return, he gave us special pricing to clear the last of his inventory. Regularly $63 per bottle, we're now offering it for only $36 on one bottle and $29 per bottle on a 6-pack. We only have a few cases left—grab it before it's gone!