Bandol is a wine region in France in the area of Provence and includes the town of Bandol in its 3830 acres. The climates of each of the vineyards in the Bandol region will vary due to the short mountains along the Coast. Bandol region vineyards that are closest to the Mediterranean Sea will have a much warmer climate because the Montagne Sainte Victoire , along with the Massif de la Sainte Baume and the Chaine de Saint Cyr block the frigid Northern winds. Both the Bandol and Cassis regions are safeguarded in this area. Bandol creates red, white, and rose wine. The Bandol red grape varieties are the majority of the region, in particular, Mourvedre. All Bandol red wines are required to have at least fifty percent Mourvedre. Mourvedre grows best in the sunny and warm climate that the Bandol coastal vineyards provide. Due to the typically spicy and powerful Mouvedre percentage, Bandol reds are usually very distinctive. Grenache is also a key grape variety in Bandol, being planted on the typically colder slopes facing North. Lastly, Cinsaut is also grown in Bandol, along with Carignan and Syrah. Bandol roses are well-known and are recognized by their spicy, earthy nature. Clairette is required to be included in all Bandol Blanc by fifty to ninety percent. Ugni Blanc, Marsanne, and Vermentino also strengthen the Bandol white wines.
Roche Redonne Bandol Rouge Les Bartavelles is made from 95% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache.
This cuvée is named "Bartavelles" which is French for the "Rock Partridge".
The wine is quite aromatic, with boysenberry, blackcurrant, peppery and graphite notes. Ample in the mouth with a creamy structure, soft, harmonious and elegant tannins. The finish is long and juicy.
Excellent with grilled red meat or game. Also excellent with cheese
Review:
The 2016 Bandol Cuvee les Bartavelles is lush, open and inviting. Marked by hints of pencil shavings and boysenberries, this 95% Mourvèdre cuvée is medium to full-bodied, creamy textured and easy to drink. It should be consumed over the next decade. - Joe CZERWINSKI"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 16th 2019), 90 pts
Far Niente Post & Beam Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
At Post & Beam, we make wines of pure expression, built on generations of hands-on experience producing acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Backed by the expertise and legacy of Far Niente Wine Estates, we use time-honored techniques to make exceptional wines that can be enjoyed upon release. Our expertise of winemaking at the highest level has enabled us to create wines that seamlessly unite tradition and modernity.
The 2022 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon displays seductive aromas of briar patch and plum sauce on the nose before leading onto a palate that is well-structured yet elegant. Round and textured on the palate, the entry is layered with cassis and blackberry. The finish exudes vanilla, mocha, and cocoa flavors alongside resolved tannins.
Review:
Richly appointed, with dark blue and purple fruit and a plush mouthfeel. Notes of plum liqueur and freshly roasted coffee grace the palate as dark chocolate and anise entwine with the wine's well-defined structure and satin-lined tannins. Spiced red tea and sandalwood engage with more chocolate on the finish.
-Tasting Panel 95 Points
Bastgen Kestener Paulinshofberg Riesling Spatlese is 100 percent Riesling.
Yellow color with green highlights.
Beautiful peach aromas on the nose, rich and ripe fruits on the mouth with a refreshing acidity and honey notes. A very pleasing wine.
They meticulously tend 4.5 ha (11.11 acres) of which 80% is Riesling. The soil is made of slate. Their vineyards are located in Kesten and Brauneberg, on a steep terrace, and planted to 50-year old vines. Fortunately for Bastgen, they own part of the famous Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr. The vines produce very small, ripe berries that are very tasty.