2011 Château de Pibarnon Bandol

SKU #1269107 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

More approachable, yet still with classic Mourvedre character, the 2011 Bandol (same blend/elevage as the 2010) offers ample blackberry, raspberry, underbrush, allspice and assorted floral nuances to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced and seamless profile on the palate. Polished and already delicious, yet with fine tannin and solid concentration, it will continue to thrill for 10-15 years. These are classic Bandols that should not be missed! Run by the Saint-Victor family since 1975, Chateau Pibarnon lies in the northern part of the appellation and consists of steep, terraced slopes and unique blue marl and limestone soils. The wines are gorgeous and offer classic examples of the appellation. (JD) (2/2014)

93 points Wine Enthusiast

This is a firmly structured wine that balances tautness and minerality with ripe berry and plum flavors. There is remarkable power and potential in this solid wine. (RV) (3/2014)

92 points Wine Spectator

A polished, ripe, flattering style, particularly for Bandol, with flavors of plum, cassis and cherry preserves gliding along, carried by red licorice and singed cinnamon notes. Lingering whiffs of black tea and warm fruitcake emerge on the finish. (JM) (10/2015)

K&L Notes

Chateau de Pibarnon is an extraordinary terroir seated some 300 meters above the village of Cadière d'Azur in a natural amphitheater. The soil is high in calcair (limestone) and loaded with microfossils making it distinctively unique from its neighbors. The 2011 vintage was rich and powerful. Showing the "brass knuckles in a velvet glove" character often associated with Bandol. This wine has all the core qualities for long term aging. From wine writer John Gilman: "According to Eric de Saint-Victor, the 2011 vintage in Bandol is quite similar in style to his first vintage at Pibarnon all the way back in 1989. However, to note how climate change has affected the region over the last couple of decades, I did observe that the 2011 Pibarnon comes in at fourteen percent alcohol, whereas the 1989 was only 12.5 percent! In any case, this is a very good wine in the making, offering up a deep, ripe and youthful bouquet of cassis, dark soil tones, a bit of animal, cigar smoke, tree bark and a hint of nutty oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nicely balanced, with a rock solid core of fruit, fine-grained tannins and impressive length and grip on the focused and still quite primary finish. It will be interesting to follow the evolution of the 2011 Pibarnon and see if it will start to show some of the same breed of the 2012 Cuvée Henri-Catherine as it blossoms with bottle age. 2021-2050. 91+ points." (View from the Cellar)