Bastide Blanche "Longue Garde" 1998 Bandol

Deep, murky red.

Smoke, embers, iron, wilted herbs, iodine, savory meat nose. A bit of horseshit, too, for purists.

Round and plush on entry, dense and concentrated. Grainy texture typical of B-B kicks in on the mid-palate and doesn't let up. Licorice and smoke on the chewy, tannic, finish. Thank God for wines like this. Where's the lamb cassoulet?

$35