Château de Pibarnon, Bandol Rosé 2023

High in Bandol’s hills (~300 m) and certified organic since 2019, Château de Pibarnon stands on terraced vineyards with clay‑limestone‑chalk soils. Family‑owned by the de Saint‑Victor family since the 1970s, they farm Mourvèdre and Cinsault by hand, favouring low yields and indigenous yeast. Their method of burying the vines in straw–soils over winter reflects a deep respect for terroir and ancient tradition An elegant, age-worthy rosé, composed of 65% Mourvèdre (saignée/direct press) and 35% Cinsault, fermented slowly at low temperatures and aged in steel for six months. Pale salmon with aromatic notes of cherry, raspberry, blood orange, lavender, white pepper, and Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied yet vibrant, it delivers gentle tannin, juicy acidity, and a saline-mineral backbone, finishing bone dry with impressive depth and length. Drinking well now, especially when paired with hearty grilled seafood, but will continue to develop over the next 5 years.