Domaine Lafran Veyrolles is an estate with a superb terroir and is widely recognised as one of the top three producers in the appellation. The Jouve-Ferec family runs this small, traditional estate with just 10 ha of vines in the classic clay-limestone Terre rouge of Bandol (the most important wine region within Provence). The estate nestles in and is protected by the hills of the Cadiere d'Azure, and benefits from a maritime climate. The estate works organically and the yields are kept extremely low. Domaine Lafran Veyrolles red's have made it one of the stars of the appellation, but the ros wines deserve attention too.

Mourvdre at its best! Warm, slightly wild, slightly soft sofa leather but essentially fabulously ripe fruit, fully integrated with oak. This, the basic cuvee, is 80% Mourvdre, with the balance being Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault. It is far from basic as with every sniff and slurp, different nuances are revealed - fresh earth, black pepper, grilled meat, cinnamon, bay, sage, blackberry, prune and blackcurrant all featured in my copious notes. The finish is fresh and classy, with rounded tannins - classic drink or keep quality wine. A great way to discover Mourvdre dominated wines, silky smooth with a stiff upper lip, generous but serious. A great wine with still lots to give.

Grape variety: Mourvdre 80%, Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault