2011 will be the landmark for red wines in Bandol. The kind of vintages that build the legend in the mind of all the wine lovers: 1961 in Bordeaux, 1959 in Burgundy, 1996 in Champagne…there will 2011 in Bandol. As for most of the Mediterranean “croissant”, 2011 is the vintage for the late ripening grapes, so is Mourvèdre of course.
Winter, rather cold and humid was followed by a warm and sunny spring which favored a dynamic vine cycle leading to an early flowering in some areas. At the beginning of July, summer was still awaited. Temperatures are lower than usual whilst the scattered rainfalls happened to be useful and rebuilt the water reserves to prepare the vines for a very warm and sunny August. In spite of some short rainy phases at the end of August, this great sunny period extended for several weeks in September and boosted the Mourvèdre ripening in perfect conditions.
The berry quality was wonderful with a unique sugar level and, as soon as in the vats, showing perfect balances, the first step of the best vintages.
