I have spent the last 5 summers in Bandol and have diligently ‘researched’ as much of the local rosé as possible, entirely on your behalf, I mighty add. You are welcome. The cream tends to rise to the top each year and I would once again put La Bastide Blanche in my eagerly anticipated ‘James’s Top 5 Bandol Rosés’ (I didn’t say eagerly anticipated by whom), along with Pibarnon, Tempier, Terrebrune and Lafran-Veyrolles. As you would expect from a Bandol rosé, it has presence and weight, a wine designed to be enjoyed with punchy Mediterranean flavours, like bouillabaisse and aïoli or pissaladiere, as its notes of roast cherry tomatoes, sandalwood and poached strawberries can handle strong flavours. 13.5% alc. Drink now-2027.

Press reviews:

Vinous: “The 2023 Rosé is deep, complex and layered, with ripe nectarine, rose garden and sweet cherry fruit notes. Beautifully expressive and floral on the nose, savoury, salty mineral tones meet red berry freshness and an undercurrent of spice in the mouth. A touch of almond bitterness grabs at the edges of the tongue toward the close, striking great harmony with a rounded sweetness. Bravo. Drink now-2027.“ 93 points

The Wine Advocate: “Crafted from vines planted on calcareous-clay soils with pebbles, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from La Bastide Blanche reveals a complex, delicate bouquet of grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, spices and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced and enveloping, it has a fleshy core of fruit with a long, delicate and mineral finish. This classic Bandol is a blend of 51% Mourvèdre, 24% Cinsault, 19% Grenache and 6% white grapes.” 91+ points