Château Val d’Arenc Bandol 2019

This red Bandol has a limpid and shiny color. It is pale ruby with less intensity around. The first nose is aromatic, fruity with black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry. There is also a hint of black pepper. With air, the nose opens up and is seductive with still small crunchy black fruits but also pretty spices and a hint of flowers such as rose. We smell a little bit the alcohol in the second part of the nose with a touch of liquorice, fine leather and candied tomato. The attack is powerful, aromatic, round with a slight hint of sweetness brought by very ripe fresh fruits such as cherries but also blackberries without forgetting blackcurrant. There is a nice gourmandise. A bit of tension with smooth tannins and salivating acidity. We find umami at the end of the mouth with cherry brandy. Spices and especially pepper are always present. It is a sunny, full-bodied wine with a nice balance.