A year in Provence. Only the hardest soul would not have laughed at the death of tiny Tim, and so it was with this tome, for years bathroom reading matter. The wines of this area are often condemned as yet more overpriced Rosé, yet the best of these are brilliant in their own right. As well, within Provence we find the Bandol AOC, home to some of the world`s finest Mourvedre, of which locals say that it must be grown in sight of the sea. This is serious wine indeed, with many living for ages and the best of which are only really understandable after 10 years or so of age. (CW 23/01/12)