Esteemed by experts and wine enthusiasts alike, the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 is a luxurious expression of the prestigious Bandol region in France. The vineyard, Domaine de la Bégude, occupies a covetable area at the highest point of this appellation, ennobling it with remarkable terroir characteristics. This inimitable blend is dominated by Mourvedre, a grape grown for its formidable structure and intensity. Complemented with Grenache and Cinsault, the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 rewards the palate with intriguing notes of black berries and spices.

Renowned for their sustainable viticulture ethos and meticulous hand-harvesting, the Tari family, custodians of Domaine de la Bégude, achieve a wine of profound complexity and excellent ageing potential. Sticklers for organic practices and limited intervention winemaking, the wine’s vibrant expression of fruit is undeniable. Trust the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 to enchant with its dark intensity and captivating complexity. A hallmark of French artisanal winemaking.

Vinous (96)

I am utterly blown away by the 2010 Alpilles Rouge, a re-release from the winery’s cellar. Still so fresh and vibrant, the 2010 is just stunning in its beauty today. Time in bottle has brought with it lovely complexity, especially in the aromatics. On the palate, though, the 2010 is so young. Swaths of tannin and bright acids suggest the 2010 still needs time to be at its best. As for the wine’s pedigree and quality, those are unmistakably world-class. Readers who can find the 2010 should not hesitate. It’s one of the rare values in fine, ageworthy red wine. This bottle was released from the domaine in 2020.

Vinous (94)

The 2014 Alpilles Rouge is in a gorgeous place right now. Dried herbs, rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry, licorice and pipe tobacco give the 2014 tremendous aromatic nuance and overall presence. The 2014 is an especially mid-weight, gracious Trévallon that is just starting to drink well. While it may not have the richness of some of the other vintages in this report, the 2014 is exquisitely beautiful today. I expect it will age gracefully on its acids and overall balance.

Exemplifying visionary winemaking, the Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2018 is a splendid embodiment of French finesse. Hailing from Domaine de Trevallon in the Les Baux-de-Provence, it's a duet of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, farmed organically and hand-harvested. The terroir, defined by limestone cliffs and a unique microclimate, imbues this rouge with unparalleled character.

Matured for 24 months in oak-spiced maturity, the Alpilles Rouge 2018 captures all the intensity of its vintage whilst expressing its maker's ardour for finesse and balance. Its garnet robe, boisterous with dark berries, run into a multi-layered palate, tingling with notes of blackcurrant, graphite, and truffle, culminating in a powerfully tannic finale.

For over four decades, Trevallon's Eloi Dürrbach has been pushing boundaries, his signature blending approach challenging traditional winemaking narrative and authenticating this bottle as the quintessential Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2018.