Bieler Père & Fils, Bandol Rosé Réserve, France 2021

“Enticing aromatics of peach, white cherry and wild raspberry that are balanced by summer flowers, white tea and Provence herbs. These delicate flavors carry through to a creamy yet lifted palate that’s interwoven with rose petal and wet stones.”

Bandol is the smallest and most prestigious region in Provence. Bieler Père & Fils fruit is from the village of Le Castellet where it is grown on a mix of deep limestone soils and sandy marls. Rosé from Bandol is typically fuller and more substantial than the rest of Provence and this wine is no exception. It’s the equal parts power and finesse that makes it so special. With the vineyards a mere stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, there is a bead of salinity that gives way to interwoven aromas and flavors of savory herbs, cherry, blood orange, almond and black licorice, all held together with a backbone of vibrant acidity. Mourvèdre, especially in this seaside location where it reigns supreme, gives a bit more color than does Grenache or Syrah thus why Bandol Rosé tends to be a bit darker than the rest of Provence. The blend is dominated by Mourvèdre of which brings a strong ripe tangerine and herbs de Provence profile with notes of white cherry, peach, with underlying minerality and bead of salinity.