It’s always good tidings when Tempier arrives. Their 2024 Bandol Rosé, a blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault, is the belle of the ball. It ‘shines in a league of its own’, says Vinous, and it’s clear why this is ‘one of France’s most meticulously crafted and benchmark rosés’ (Wine Advocate).
Expect grapefruit, florals and Provençale dried herbs on the nose, with that Bandol concentration and a long, mineral finish. Drink it however you prefer – straight away with anchovies or melon and Parma ham, or cellar it for a few years and see this wine work its magic.
Due to increasing scarcity, the rosé is only available in the 6-pack below. However, Tempier’s Blanc, Rouge Cuvée Classique and single-vineyards are available individually.
Tempier’s 2024 Bandol Blanc is the rarest of the Tempier wines. From their cooler vineyard sites, it’s an enticing blend of Clairette (60%) and Ugni Blanc (30%), with the remainder made up of Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Rolle. The aromatics are gorgeous, delicate and zesty, showing white flowers, white peach and guava skin followed by a creamy, energetic palate.
Tempier’s flagship is their 2022 Bandol Rouge Cuvée Classique ‘Lulu & Lucien’. Based on the region’s most important grape, Mourvèdre, blended with Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, it’s a smoky, seductive wine that abounds with violets, red fruit, graphite and earthy notes.
Finally, we have the two famed single-vineyard reds: La Migoua and La Tourtine. La Migoua’s vineyard is the highest of them all, sitting pretty at 270-300m altitude on clay and limestone soils. It typically has about 50% Mourvèdre with more Cinsault and Grenache than the others. Deep-fruited yet weightless, it’s a wine of great finesse.
La Tourtine is powerful, though zesty and vibrant, offering blood orange, dried herbs, black cherries and olives. Also grown on clay and limestone, it has a higher percentage of Mourvèdre than Migoua – about 80% here – with 10% each of Grenache and Cinsault.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2024 Bandol Rosé from Domaine Tempier is utter class. Flaunting its trademark perfume of grapefruit peel, savory herbs, white flowers and sea spray, the Tempier Rosé shines in a league of its own. The mineral intensity and concentration through the mid-palate is really on another level in 2024. Supreme balance and textural finesse are the orders of the day. This is wine I consider a must-buy every year, but the 2024 is easily the best edition of Tempier Rosé in recent memory. Best of all, it will easily age for years.’ – Billy Norris, Vinous, 94/100
‘The 2024 Bandol Rosé from Domaine Tempier reveals an elegant, lively bouquet of pomegranate, grapefruit, ripe orchard fruits and guava subtly accented by delicate spicy notes. On the palate, it’s bright and medium- to full-bodied, with bright acids and a juicy core of fruit that culminates in a saline, ethereal finish. As always, this is one of France’s most meticulously crafted and benchmark rosés, combining precision, charm and age-worthy depth.’ – Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, 93/100
Tempier Cuvée Classique ‘Lulu & Lucien’ Bandol Rouge 2022
‘Shows a seductive prettiness, with violet and spice box notes layered with crunchy red plum and graphite shavings, plus flickers of Mourvèdre meatiness. Oak sits nicely in the backdrop, while salty, savory acidity buoys this along and brings freshness to the finish, which is marked by silky, polished tannins. Drink now through 2032.’ – Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator, 91/100
