After a long afternoon at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach with Traci’s cousin, her husband and their 3 little girls we came back to my brother’s and cracked a couple bottles of wine. Enjoyable evening after a long day in the sun.
2008 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé- France, Provence, Bandol
Cracked this after an afternoon in Laguna Beach with Traci’s cousin and her husband and 3 kids. Beautiful Rose showing a nice nose of spice, strawberry and vanilla. The palate is so crisp and lively with more red melon, white pepper and a little vanilla. Just yummy. (89 pts.)
2006 Cabot Vineyards Syrah Bacon Fat “One Barrel” Kimberly’s- USA, California, North Coast, Humboldt County
Andy cracked this after the La Bastide Blanche Rose. Terrific nose of smoke, white pepper and bacon fat along with some sweet baking spice. The palate shows very nice dark fruit, vanilla, smoke, coffee, black licorice with nice acidity and a chewy long peppery finish. Very nicely done. This was popped and poured and it did sweeten up a little after about 30 minutes or so of being open. Should age pretty well too. Kudos to the Cabots (92 pts.)
tony liked the Rose a little better than me. It was good and well made, but for some reason it just didn’t enthrawl me. Maybe it was because i just got home from work and hadn’t yet unwound fully.
The Cabot was terrific and I am glad to have 2 more of them tucked away to see how they hold up with some age. May have to see if they have more of this…yummy.
Thanks for the notes. I liked the 08 Bastide Blanche rosé ok. I’ve tried the following recent Bandol rosé releases:
2008 Bastide Blanche ~$18
2008 Pibarnon ~$26
2008 Le Galantin ~17
2008 Chateau des Baumelles ~20
Of these, I thought the Pibarnon was head and shoulders above the others. It’s a bit pricier, too, but worth it. Of the rest, I thought Le Galantin was best, with a bit more definition and citrus edge to it.
