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Domaine Lafran Veyrolles, Bandol
Mme. Jouve-Férac
This is a small, very traditional Bandol estate, with just 10 hectares in production. (There will be more production in a few years, as there are some young vines en fermage, which will be producing in 4 years.) The domaine produce two cuvées of red; the
Tradition, from 80% Mourvèdre, and 20% Grenache and Cinsault. This cuvée is generally 90% de-stemmed, with just a small proportion of the ripest stems left in the cuvaison to add backbone. The 2000 is just starting to drink well, and will improve further over the next couple of years.
The top cuvée is the Longue Garde, which is from 100% Mourvèdre, and is not generally de-stemmed, unless the vintage is very hot and ripe. This is a more powerful cuvée, which needs longer ageing. The 2000 is rich, ripe, and earthy, with cherry and plum fruit, and good length and complexity. The 2001 is outstanding, with an unusual rich almost porty concentration. This is a one-off style which will age superbly. |