Domaine Tempier 2019/20 Bandol La Tourtine 750ml

Mainly Mourvèdre (85%), with Cinsault and Grenache, the 2020 Bandol la Tourtine was still in foudre at the time of my visit last year. Scents of cola, smoke and red berries provide ample complexity on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated and almost creamy in texture while remaining fresh and dynamic on the lengthy finish.

Score: 94-96 points -- Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, 2023

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Domaine Tempier was already in existence during the reign of Louis XV (1715-1774) and since that time it has continued to grow and evolve under the guidance of the Tempier and Peyraud families. Today it consists of 38 hectares spread over several vineyard parcels, all of which are located in the heart of Bandol. In 2000 François and Jean-Marie Peyraud ceded control of day to day operations of the estate to Daniel Ravier, a young agricultural engineer from Savoie. Since taking over, Daniel has upheld the estates philosophy by continuing to champion wines based on Mourvèdre and by promoting one of the unique features of the estate. Namely, its ability to produce single vineyard wines that showcase the individual terroirs of Bandol. All the vineyards are carefully maintained without chemical fertilizers or herbicides and recent investments has allowed for the renovation of the cellar, the replacement of barrels and the installation of a new vinification system. These changes have permitted Daniel to improve the quality of the wines while ensuring that the estate's legacy of producing powerful, full bodied wines that are capable of ageing for many years continues uninterrupted.