diff --git a/Lib/ldap/ldapobject.py b/Lib/ldap/ldapobject.py
index 8fa71c3..e55d795 100644
--- a/Lib/ldap/ldapobject.py
+++ b/Lib/ldap/ldapobject.py
@@ -1167,6 +1167,11 @@ class ReconnectLDAPObject(SimpleLDAPObject):
             SimpleLDAPObject.start_tls_s(self)
           # Repeat last simple or SASL bind
           self._apply_last_bind()
+        except LDAPError as exc:
+          # Ensure self._l is not in a not fully initialized state
+          SimpleLDAPObject.unbind_s(self)
+        try:
+          raise exc
         except (ldap.SERVER_DOWN,ldap.TIMEOUT):
           if __debug__ and self._trace_level>=1:
             self._trace_file.write('*** %s reconnect to %s failed\n' % (
@@ -1178,7 +1183,6 @@ class ReconnectLDAPObject(SimpleLDAPObject):
           if __debug__ and self._trace_level>=1:
             self._trace_file.write('=> delay %s...\n' % (retry_delay))
           time.sleep(retry_delay)
-          SimpleLDAPObject.unbind_s(self)
         else:
           if __debug__ and self._trace_level>=1:
             self._trace_file.write('*** %s reconnect to %s successful => repeat last operation\n' % (