Bastide de la Ciselette, Bandol Rouge AOC (Provence, France) 2019

 Bastide de la Ciselette may still be relatively new as a domaine — becoming the 57th estate of the AOC in 2010 — they have been tending the vineyards for many years, opting to sell their fruit to the local co-op.  On the palate, this Bandol Rouge of  80 percent Mourvèdre and 20 percent Grenache is like blending Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Burgundy, and Bordeaux into one.  You can taste the classic Mourvèdre flavors, such as blackberry, dark plum, and tobacco; however, this holds more Mediterranean flavors and is more smooth than typical Bandols.  It also maintains perfect freshness and minerality alongside its polished black fruits.  While deceptively approachable now, this will continue to come into its own over the next decade.