Domaine Terrebrune - Bandol rosé 2024

A terroir within a terroir—that sums up Terrebrune, a cherished estate led by the co-management of Reynald Delille and Jean d’Arthuis. Located in Ollioules, this estate near the Mediterranean balances the sea mist with first-rate limestone soil. No brute force, nor overly intense color, but wines imbued with sensitivity—ones that deserve time to develop and reveal their full range of aromas. More recently, Julien Paul, a brilliant technical director, has helped the trio assert itself and refine Terrebrune’s precious character. The 2019 vintage stands at the pinnacle of refined, elegant Bandol wines.

This estate’s rosé is often among my favorites, and the 2024 Bandol Rosé is no exception. It blossoms in the glass with a lively, vibrant bouquet of pomegranate, spices, crushed stone, curry leaves, and lime. Concentrated, smooth, and brilliant, it offers both finesse and charm on the mid-palate. It finishes with a long, briny aftertaste, offering a sense of harmony and precision. Generous yet balanced, this Bandol Rosé possesses the intensity and structure needed to age gracefully over the next few years. It is a blend of 60% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache Noir, and 20% Cinsault.

Once again, the 2024 rosé proves that Mourvèdre is unruly when young; you need to let it age for at least a year to smooth out the thiolic notes in its rich, balanced body.

Located in the town of Ollioules, the estate features 35 hectares of vineyards planted on terraces facing the Mediterranean Sea, which it cultivates using organic farming methods. The vineyard benefits from Triassic clay-limestone marl soil unique to Bandol, which gives it a distinctive character. The property is located just a few kilometers from the sea and benefits from sea mist, which is ideal for Mourvèdre.