Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles, Bandol Rouge 2023

Bandol is a small appellation down by the Mediterranean which, unusually for rosé-dominant Provence, is better known for its powerful reds. This one’s certainly in the classic mould but with a bit of a silkier touch. It’s built on Mourvèdre from organically farmed, hand-harvested fruit and aged for over 18 months in large oak foudres. Bramble and dried herb aromas lead, with cassis and other dark fruits layered over earthy, leathery notes, and it finishes dry, firmly structured and long on the palate – exactly what you’d expect from one of Bandol’s leading estates.

A food wine first and foremost, already enjoyable but with years still ahead of it; spot-on with Mediterranean dishes like herb-roast lamb, ratatouille or baked aubergine with tomato and olive.

Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles is a Provençal estate with superb terroir and widely recognised as one of the top producers in the Bandol appellation. Jean-Marie Castell runs things traditionally with just 10ha of vines on the famous red clay soil of Bandol. It's nestled in the protective hillsides of the Cadière d'Azur and benefits from a maritime climate protecting it from the excessive heat you sometimes get on the French Riviera. Minimal intervention is a watchword and they look for low yields, practicing organic viticulture and natural winemaking including very limited sulphur dioxide in their winemaking. In the winery the once rustic facilities have, in recent years, been updated with modern facilities leading to consistent high quality.