The rouge at Pibarnon is a style of Bandol all its own. Although this is supremely elegant and seamless by Bandol's standards, there is still plenty of stuffing and density for long term aging. This is, after all a Bandol made from 90% Mourvèdre! All the fruit is hand harvested (compulsory in Bandol) and destemmed. A green pruning in July reduces the charge per vine to five bunches, giving average yields of 35-40hl/ha. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel tank before racking into large, old oak foudres where they remain for 18 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration. The previous vintage we imported was voted in the top seven "Les Meilleurs Rouges" (The Best Reds) by Michel Bettane & Thierry Desseauve in Le Grand Guide des Vins de France 2008. In this guide, Pibarnon was again rated in the top two producers of Bandol (along with Tempier). Bettane & Desseauve wrote of this wine: "A powerful, racy wine that is still a baby. This is an elegant Bandol of rare harmony." On our most recent visit we were very excited to find the highly perfumed, almost Burgundian-styled 2008 on offer as well as some half bottles of the deliciously smoky-sweet 2004. Pibarnon's proprietor/winemaker Eric de Saint-Victor, believes Mourvèdre can be both powerful and elegant. In 2008 this outlook certainly pays dividends in terms of refinement and charm. It's an aromatic, supple Bandol with silky tannins and a core of confit cherry and roasted plum fruit, complimented by gravelly, resinous tones. The finish is fresh and long with powdery, fine tannins. It's an engaging wine with almost Vosne Romanee-like perfume and elegance. Be prepared for Bandol at its most refined!