Monday, August 27, 2012

2009 Gros Nore Bandol Rouge

We have a limited amount of this gem from the Bandol appellation in southern France. Bandol is located north of Marsailles and Mourvedre is the main grape produced in the appellation. The wines can be drunk early, but with their tannic structure, properly stored, they can age for 10 or more years. The 09 Gros Nore is a great candidate for the cellar at a fantastic price.

 Importer Kermit Lynch on Domaine Gros Nore:
"Alain Pascal farms sixteen hectares of vineyards with the help of his brother, Guy, on the rolling hillsides around La Cadière d’Azur. The vineyards are composed of both clay and limestone, imparting a pronounced structure of earthy, splintered rock. This microclimate near the Mediterranean brings warm weather and full sun, tempered by the persistent Mistral. Alain leaves his grapes to mature fully on the vine, lending great intensity to the fruit. Where appellation law demands that each blend includes at least 50 percent Mourvèdre, Alain uses 80 percent—a choice that gives more power and concentration to the final assemblage.   Do not be fooled by the strength and boldness of the Gros Noré Bandol, though; underneath a big exterior is a wine of character, depth, complexity, soul, and finesse."

2009 Domaine Gros Nore Bandol Rouge
Sale Price $34.99
"Ripe yet elegant, with concentrated flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, tar and dark chocolate. There’s lots of cream and spice mid-palate, with a dollop of smoke, followed by a lilting finish of black licorice and bittersweet chocolate, with hints of mint. Drink now through 2020. 265 cases imported. 80% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache, 5% Cinsault"
-Rated 94/100 points, the Wine Spectator

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