Château Vannières rouge 2012 (Magnum)

Powerfully structured, this is a full-bodied, spicy wine with truffle notes, ideal for cellaring. It has a long finish.

The château is one of Provence’s great estates. Éric Boisseaux, a pillar of the Bandol appellation, is ensuring the legacy continues and now works alongside his son Charles-Eric. While for a long time they produced only a single grand cuvée in all three colors, with the arrival of the younger generation the lineup is evolving and a breath of fresh air is sweeping through the cellar. The classic red Bandols have an undeniable capacity for aging, quickly developing nuances of tobacco and leather that are gently refined over time; they rank among the appellation’s finest red wines.

This family venture began in 1956 with Colette Boisseaux, continued with her son Éric, and is now carried on by her grandson Charles-Éric. The estate features a 34-hectare vineyard, centered around a 19th-century château, whose older wine cellar attests to winemaking activities dating back to the 16th century.

With Mourvèdre as the dominant variety, the 2012 Bandol showcases the full-bodied, rich, and robust style of this cuvée, featuring intense notes of wood, tar, and chocolate, a full-bodied richness, fine tannins, and a solid finish. There is a lot of oak here, but also plenty of fruit.