In the glass
Aroma: wild plum, myrtle, tobacco, graphite
Palate: black cherry, iron, fennel seed, leather
Mourvedre-dominant single-vineyard cuvee from a parcel near Le Castellet. Wild plum and myrtle over a firm-tannin frame; the estate's most age-worthy bottling.
What it pairs with
-
Saddle of lamb with herbes de Provence
Saint Ferreol's myrtle and fennel echo the herb crust; firm tannins handle the lamb fat. -
Wild rabbit civet
The wine's iron and tobacco depth match game stew; acidity refreshes between bites of long-cooked sauce. -
Aged Tomme de Provence
Sheep's-milk salt aligns with the wine's leather and dark-fruit register. -
Slow-braised oxtail
Mourvedre's iron grip pairs with collagen-rich beef; the wine's structure carries the long braise.
History
Agnes Henry took over Tour du Bon in 1995 and launched the Saint Ferreol cuvee from the estate's oldest Mourvedre block. The wine helped establish Tour du Bon as one of the more critically followed mid-sized Bandol producers.
- 1995 — Agnes Henry takes over management of the estate
- 1996 — First vintage of Saint Ferreol as a single-vineyard cuvee
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de la Tour du Bon
- Grapes
- Mourvedre (80%), Grenache, Cinsault
- Classification
- AOC Bandol
- Oak
- 24 to 30 months in large old oak foudres
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 40 to 65 at retail
- Drinking window
- 7-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1996
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Domaine de la Tour du Bon Saint Ferreol
What does Tour du Bon Saint Ferreol taste like?
Wild plum, myrtle, tobacco and graphite on the nose; black cherry, iron, fennel seed and leather on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins, high acidity and a long savoury finish.
When should I drink Tour du Bon Saint Ferreol?
Drink between 7 and 25 years from vintage. The cuvee is built for cellaring; bottles often peak between year 10 and year 18. Decant 90 minutes for younger vintages.
Is Tour du Bon Saint Ferreol vegan?
Yes. Tour du Bon does not use animal-derived fining agents on the cuvee, though the estate does not pursue formal vegan certification.
What food pairs with Tour du Bon Saint Ferreol?
Saddle of lamb with herbes de Provence is the canonical pairing. Wild rabbit civet, aged Tomme de Provence and slow-braised oxtail are equally strong matches.
What grapes are in Saint Ferreol?
Mourvedre dominates at around 80 percent, completed by Grenache and Cinsault from a single old-vine parcel near Le Castellet.