2018 Domaine de l'Olivette Bandol

"They are quite simply the best red wines made in Provence, perhaps even southern France." (About Bandol) ~Forbes Magazine

For over two centuries, Domaine de l’Olivette has remained in the hands of the same family, making it one of the most storied and respected estates in the Bandol

appellation. Nestled in a natural amphitheater between the Mediterranean and the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, this vineyard enjoys the perfect balance of sun, sea breeze, and terroir—an environment where Mourvèdre thrives and reaches its full potential.

Originally a diverse agricultural estate producing wheat, vegetables, and olives (hence the name), the Domaine fully embraced winemaking excellence when Bandol earned AOC status in 1941. Today, Jean-Luc Dumoutier and his family continue this legacy, hand-harvesting each grape and practicing sustainable viticulture that respects both tradition and nature.

There are no shortcuts here—no herbicides, no insecticides, just a deep commitment to terroir-driven winemaking. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE),

Red Bandol is made for serious cuisine, and this vintage is no exception. It pairs effortlessly with grilled lamb, slow-roasted duck, aged cheeses, and rich, earthy mushroom dishes. These bold flavors match the wine’s intensity, enhancing its layers of dark fruit and spice.

Bandol is one of the most tightly regulated appellations in France, producing wines of extraordinary character in limited quantities. With low yields and meticulous hand-harvesting, every bottle of Domaine de l’Olivette Bandol is a rare opportunity to experience a piece of this historic region.

Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. The wine opens with layers of ripe dark fruit, exotic spice, and the unmistakable aromas of garrigue—the wild Provençal landscape of rosemary, thyme, and lavender that infuses the air around the vineyard. On the palate, it is both structured and elegant, with firm yet silky tannins that promise years of graceful evolution. The finish is long and complex, leaving an impression of depth, warmth, and finesse.

Mainly Mourvèdre, with bits of Grenache and Syrah, this estate's 2018 Bandol offers up profound notes of plummy fruit and cola-like spices. Full-bodied, deep and rich, this is lovely stuff, overflowing with black cherries and subtle spice shadings framed by ripe tannins. Complex, seamless and long, it develops lovely anise notes on the finish. Lovely stuff. ~95 Robert Parker

Vibrant ruby-red. The nose opens up after airing to stone fruit touches and more herbal tones of garrigue. The palate is mouth-filling, dense and full-bodied with tannin and aroma presence in a very appealing land-driven style. ~91 Gilbert & Gaillard

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