Chateau Canadel Bandol Rouge Altum 2014

altum, i, n.v.   I. High in the sky, height.   II. depth.   III. On the high seas.

95% Mourvèdre,  5% Cinsault.

The cuvee Altum comes from the highest part of Canadel’s Vineyard at 250 meters high, facing the Mediterranean sea. The soil is made of very deep clay, with calcareous rocks. At this altitude, with deep soils and a gently windy climate, the Mourvèdre gives its best, between strength and elegance.

Average age of vines:  39 years.

The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard. They are then sorted again at the cellar before being de-stemmed. The fermentation lasts 20 days in concrete tanks, with smooth pumping over each day. The wines are aged 18 months in oak tank of 30 hl.

Vintage : 2014  began with a very wet winter.    Spring was quite dry and conditions were good and healthy for the growing vines.  The summer was dry although quite cool which led us to believe that harvesting would be late. However welcome rains at the end of August and a rise in temperature in September helped accelerate the maturity of the grapes. The harvest of Altum was on September 25th.

Alcohol: 14,5°.

Silver Medal, 91/100 – Decanter World Wine Awards.

Rated : 94 Points by Gary Walsh _ Winefront
“Black fruits, liquorice, perfume of thyme and lavender, ash and spice. Medium to full bodied, inky and tannic, all grilled meat studded with aromatic herbs, cool breeze of acidity, more stony tannin and a volcanic rock and herb laced finish of length and impact. Charisma plus.”