Bandol 1998 – Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles – Alc.13% - Mourvèdre >70% together with Grenache, old vine Carignan and Cinsault. This one is in a very nice place for my palate though some may prefer more primary fruit. Colour was quite dark but with a brown tinge visible during the pour; the nose was beautiful with well developed rose notes and the palate was medium/full bodied, quite deep and complex with more of the rose aromas now mingled with tar, undergrowth and old book notes and the fragrant finish was supported by a warm bitterness; 17/20.
Bandol (rosé) 2009 – Domaine La Suffrène – Alc.14% - (c.€10), a blend of Mourvèdre (40 %), Cinsault (30 %), Grenache (20 %) and of Carignan (10 %). This was the best pink which I have had this summer, including a Château Simone (c.€30). Colour was very pale with a salmon tinge and the nose well developed with similar rose notes to the previous together with some red fruit. The palate was much more structured and body fuller (about medium) than with 95% of pinks and was graced with vibrant red fruit (some strawberry), touches of liqueur and more rose aromas; the finish was quite firm and a trace of alcoholic warmth gave extra support; 16/20.
Both these estates propose a more prestigious cuvée in these colours. At Lafran-V, there is a red Cuvée Spéciale (95% Mourvèdre) in addition to this C. Traditionelle and at Suffrène there is a rosé Cuvée Sainte-Catherine (also 95% Mourvèdre), which the website recommends ageing for two years before opening.