2016 Château Pradeaux, Bandol Provence, France

The Bandol from Pradeaux is a creature whose soul emerges from Mourvèdre. One of the hallmarks of Pradeaux is that the grapes are never destemmed. The result is a wine of ferocious tannin in its youth, another reason for the prolonged aging in these large wooden barrels, a time for the wine to repose and find its identity as it emerges from the cocoon of tannins to reveal an exceptionally complex crowd of aromas and flavors. Drinkable now but will reward significant age as well.