Chteau de Pibarnon Bandol Ros 2022 (1500ml)

Organic. Another cracking release, Pibarnons distinctive 65:35 Mourvdre and Cinsault blend was drawn from the estates stunning amphitheatre of terraces (or restanques) set amid the pine-covered hilltop of La Colline du Tlgraphe. This is Bandols highest vineyard (at 300 metres above the Baie de Bandol), and it enjoys freshness and cool nights from altitude and moderating sea breezes. Its not only the elevation and proximity to the sea that makes this vineyard so special; a peculiar soil type predominates: les marnes bleues. This uncommon and highly chalky, blue-tinted clayrich in microfossilsis also encountered in the Jura and Pomerol, where it is prized for its low pH, water-retentive properties, and influence on a wines freshness and structure.

For the winemaking, the Cinsault component is pressed directly to tank and brings elegance, perfume and balance, while the Mourvdre is bled, saigne-style, after several hours of skin contact. The latter brings vibrancy, complexity and chalky structure. The juices were blended before spontaneous fermentation.

In the Pibarnon mould, the new release is a typically vinous, mouth-filling and broad-shouldered ros with a fleshy, citrus-infused texture underpinned by grapefruity grip, precise acidity, touches of iodine-spiked minerality and amaro bitters. The finish is pure and detailed with plenty of airy, thirst-quenching length. A true classic.