We’re delighted to share the new reds from a producer whose name is arguably more famous than the French appellation it helped establish in 1941 – the one, the only, Domaine Tempier from Bandol.
Their flagship, the 2021 Bandol Rouge Cuvée Classique, is a stunner and shows the greatness of the Mourvèdre grape (blended with a little bit of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan) and the classical styling of the vintage. It abounds with red and black cherries, brambles and blackberries – complemented by earthy garrigue, savoury notes, fine-grained tannins, and a stony, smoky minerality.
As great as the Cuvée Classique is, the two famed single-vineyards, 2021 La Migoua and 2021 La Tourtine, step it up. They have a similar finesse and profile to the Classique but with added complexity and intensity. You could easily finish a bottle of these reds alongside anything to do with mushrooms, slow-roasted lamb or springbok pie.
If you’d like to try out their whole range, why not grab the Domaine Tempier Pack, which includes the super rare 2023 Bandol Blanc and their sought-after 2023 Bandol Rosé – ‘one of the most perfumed and complex rosé wines in France’ (Wine Advocate).
Tasting Notes:
Tempier Cuvée Classique ‘Lulu & Lucien’ Bandol Rouge 2021
‘Big, soft supple black damson fruit. Fresh, vibrant acidity with some dry oak, and supple wild black damsons, a hint of blackberries. Tart, smoky layers of green dry herbs. Well-managed tannin and good grip on the finish.’ – Decanter, 92/100
‘A blend of 60% Clairette and 30% Ugni Blanc complemented with Rolle, Bourboulenc and Marsanne, the 2023 Bandol Blanc exhales a complex, perfumed bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, lemon, acacia flowers, spring flowers and confit citrus. Medium-bodied, textured and enveloping, it’s delicate with a fleshy mid-palate, bright acids and a long, mineral finish. This is a stunning white wine that will offer a broad drinking window.’ – Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, 93/100
Tempier Bandol Rosé 2023 ‘Wonderfully perfumed, the 2023 Rosé entices with orange oil, nectarines, crushed wild berries and savory herbs. Rich and broad yet with a stimulating core of acidity, this plays a game of contrasts on the palate, mixing citrus-laced green melon with zesty spice and crisp mineral tones. A cascade of rosy inner florals fills the senses, as a resonance of white peach and a zest of lime keep the mouth salivating. Glorious today yet also gently tannic, the 2023 is a showstopper.’ – Eric Guido, Vinous, 93/100
