1993 La Bastide Blanche Bandol, Provence ($13.99...

1993 La Bastide Blanche Bandol, Provence ($13.99 to $16.50)

Its gorgeous ruby color and nose of dark plums, wild herbs and black pepper make this Bandol from La Bastide Blanche a standout. You can almost feel the heat coming off the vineyards above the tiny part of Bandol, southeast of Marseille. A blend of mostly Mourvedre with a little Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, this example of Provence’s distinguished red wine is intensely aromatic and concentrated. And that’s just the normal cuvee.

If you can find either of the domaine’s special cuvees, Longue Garde or the 100% Mourvedre Cuvee Fontanieu, grab a bottle or two. Produced in very small quantities, they are in short supply around town.

Available at Wally’s, the Wine House and 20/20 in West Los Angeles, at Epicurus in Santa Monica and at the Wine Exchange in Orange.