Chateau de Pibarnon reminds us that there are rosés, and then there are Bandol rosés!
Bandol is the pride of Provence; rosés from Bandol are a cut above the rest. Often referred to as the "Petrus of Bandol," Chateau de Pibarnon's vineyards are built on centuries-old terraces hand-built by generations.
In fact, the clay and fossil-studded soils are similar to those found at Chateau d'Yquem in Sauternes and Chateau Petrus in Pomerol.
Mineral-infused white peach, raspberry, pomegranate, and melon along with citrus pith and floral nuances frame this gorgeous rosé. Red berry, blood orange, nectarine, and lavender flavors meld depth and energy. Lift and tension repeat on the strikingly long finish.
What We Love About This Wine
This rosé has real pizzazz! Chateau Pibarnon is the highest elevation domaine in Bandol, with terraced vineyards that face the Mediterranean Sea. The higher altitude and sea breeze produce a wine that is consistently zesty, zippy, and succulent.
The flavors in the 2020 Pibarnon are bountiful. The Mourvedre gives this wine its complexity and texture, while the Cinsault grape provides zesty acidity.
Beautifully balanced, Pibarnon is a pairing rosé - one that begs to be paired with cheese, seafood - especially sushi - and charcuterie.
It is so good, we have it in half bottles (375mls) here when you just want a glass or two on any given Tuesday.
Oh, and having a gathering of four or more? Grabs some magnums here.
By the way, this wine ages beautifully too. Stash a few bottles away for Thanksgiving; with so many layers, it is also a sensational holiday wine.
Enjoy!
"Powerful cherry, raspberry, pit fruit and lavender aromas, along with blood orange and succulent herb flourishes. Stains the palate with mineral-accented red berry, bitter cherry, white peach, orange pith and floral pastille flavors that show sharp delineation and spicy lift. In a powerful style, but it comes off lithe and precise. Shows powerful thrust on an impressively long, mineral-tinged finish that echoes the peach and blood orange notes."