2017 Domaine du Gros 'Noré Bandol Blanc

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 90 points

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  8/21/2022 - forceberry wrote: 90 Points

  A blend of organically farmed Clairette (70%) and Ugni Blanc (30%) from vineyards averaging 35 years in age, the grapes briefly cold-soaked before pressed off the skins. Fermented and aged for 6 months in concrete tanks. 12% alcohol.
  
  Pale and rather neutral straw-yellow color. Somewhat sweet-toned nose with aromas of cantaloupe, some perfumed floral tones, a little bit of fresh clementine, light herby nuances, an oceanic hint of wet seaside rocks and a sweeter touch of ripe peach. Compared to the nose, the wine feels a bit more restrained and neutral on the palate, yet not dilute or flavorless in any way. The wine is medium in body with a bit more richness to its texture than what the slightly reticent flavors might make on expect; there are notes of sweet Golden Delicious apple and juicy lemony tones (without any lemony sourness), some floral notes of apple blossom, a little bit of hay, light stony mineral nuances and a hint of cantaloupe. The moderately high acidity feels a bit higher than is typical for white Bandols, lending the wine good sense of balance and structure. The finish is juicy but also somewhat neutral with a medium-to-moderately long and slightly reticent aftertaste of yellow apples, some stony mineral notes, a little bit of hay, light grapey tones, a hint of cantaloupe and a touch of ripe, zesty citrus fruits.
  
  A tasty, balanced and harmonious Bandol Blanc representing the fresh, bright and relatively light-bodied end of the spectrum in its genre. I really enjoyed the modest level of alcohol and good acidity here - both qualities not that common in white Bandols. The wine isn't a big personality, but that isn't news with relatively neutral varieties like Clairette and Ugni Blanc - and the wine isn't really underwhelming either. It is drinking very nicely right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if the wine continued to evolve and improve from here - based on the sense of balance and understated richness of texture here. I wouldn't be surprised if this wine could be capable of acquiring some lovely toasty or creamy qualities in its maturity. Very enjoyable stuff.

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  8/20/2022 - kuumies wrote:

  Very floral, perhaps perfumed even, on the nose and very yellow in tone. There are hints of herbs and pine and as such it makes one think of Alpine digestifs. There is nothing really dominant here but it is wonderfully sunny, bright and vibrant. On the palate the wine has good volume but definitely less weight than many in this AOC. While pleasantly mouth-filling it also sports nice acidity that makes it most drinkable. The palate is rather neutral-fruited with floral and melony notes and some white pepper towards the finish that feels ever so slightly fizzy. There is also a minerally quality, which is perhaps not that expected. I consider this style to represents excellently the appellation and southern whites in general. Having spent time in the surroundings definitely makes it easier to appreciate a wine like this - it is a bit of an acquired style - but I rank it in the upper echelons of Bandol Blanc. Perhaps the best after Château Sainte Anne?

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