Description
Bandol Rouge, Château de Pibarnon, Eric de St-Victor 2009
Château de Pibarnon, Eric de St-Victor
Overlooking the Mediterranean and grown on undulating hills where olive trees, cypresses, figs, pink laurels, pines and oaks grow, the Pibarnon vineyard truly dazzles the eyes – a bit of paradise in Provence, situated on the highest slopes of the soil of Bandol. The wonderment begins as you start up the small, winding road from the village of Cadière d’Azur to Château de Pibarnon. The road climbs up through the vines and pine trees of Alep, offering unforgettable glimpses of Ciotat bay and Bec de l’Aigle. Then, round a sharp bend, the Pibarnon estate reveals all its charm. On the hill where the optical telegraph linking Toulon to Paris used to be, stands the Pibarnon farmhouse, a perfect replica of an 18th century Provençal farmhouse. Above the farmhouse are serried ranks of vines up to a height of 300 metres and a series of corries facing the peaks of Le Castellet to the north and the resolutely blue sea to the south. From the cellar’s terrace, the view is worthy of the Theatre of Epidaurus. Remodelled by hefty bulldozers, the semi-circular vineyard looks like a mighty Greek amphitheatre overlooking Cap Sicié and the Mediterranean. The vines, planted on restanques, centuries-old terraces hand-built by generations of “wall-builders”, resemble hanging gardens suspended on those steep slopes.
The 2009 is polished, ripe, flattering style, particularly for Bandol, with flavors of plum, cassis and cherry preserves gliding along, carried by red licorice and singed cinnamon notes. Lingering whiffs of black tea and warm fruitcake emerge on the finish.
Grapes: 90% Mouvèdre – 10% Grenache
Organic
