France — wine

Bandol AOC

One of France's most distinctive and under-appreciated appellations on the Mediterranean coast near Toulon in Provence; terraced limestone and clay-limestone soils in a natural amphitheatre sheltered from the Mistral wind. Mourvèdre-dominant reds require 18 months minimum oak aging and develop extraordinary complexity over 15-30 years. Exceptional savoury rosés and full-bodied whites also produced. The appellation has only 1,500 hectares but produces wines of global significance.

Year Rating Notes
2024 Mediterranean conditions excellent; Mourvèdre showing aromatic depth and structure.
2023 Mediterranean conditions ideal; Mistral wind kept disease pressure low; Mourvèdre achieved characteristic concentration.
2022 Hot Mediterranean summer; ripe concentrated Mourvèdre; rosés show fresh aromatic character
2021 Balanced year with good acidity retention; elegant reds with classical structure; outstanding rosés
2020 Exceptional vintage; concentrated Mourvèdre with extraordinary depth; century-level wines possible
2019 Classic Bandol expression; Mourvèdre achieved full phenolic ripeness; age-worthy reds
2018 Rich and generous; some heat stress offset by careful picking; rosés particularly successful
2017 Drought year; limestone sites retained character.