Domaine Du Gros Nore Bandol 2007

Appellation rules for Bandol specify a minimum 50% Mourvédre and a maximum of 80%.  This example opts for the full 80%, the balance completed by Grenache (12%), Cinsault (5%) and Carignan 3%).  Unfiltered and unfined, from Mourvédre's beloved Clay soils, looking towards the see.

The Domaine consists of approximately 30 hectares on the outskirts of the Provencal hilltop village of La Cadiére d'Azur.  The Domaine produced its first wines in 1997, making this a 10th anniversary release.  Average vine age is 30 years old, prior to their own production fruit was sold off.  The Domaine's name comes from the current proprietor's Father Honore - shortened to Nore - and means "fat Nore".  Nice.   

From the late-ripening 2007 vintage - excellent for Mourvédre across the South, remarkable for Bandol.  Immediate sensory assault with pruny, spicy, red fruits - kirsch and cassis -  on the nose.  Further inspection reveals some black olive.  The wine, unctuous with glycerol depth - gorgeous interplay of acid, liquorice and peppery spice.  The acid carries a good length; morphing into a lovely savoury, earthen backbone.  92 - Very Good

Source: Retail, Vaucluse Cellars
Price: $60
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Cork
Importer: http://vintageandvine.com/
Website: http://www.gros-nore.com/


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