Benchmark Bandol
Tempier Cuvée Classique 2019
The brilliant 2019 Bandol Rouge ‘Cuvée Classique’ from Domaine Tempier is the best we’ve tasted since the 2016 vintage! It’s also the last vintage that legendary matriarch Lulu Peyraud oversaw, at the age of 101. The estate is famed for its long-lived, powerful, tannic reds from (mostly) Mourvèdre. Thanks to their limestone soils, Bandol’s red wines have a distinct freshness and fine structure, appealing to those who love the classically styled wines of the Rhône.
This blend of 70% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 10% Cinsault and 4% Carignan shows their signature pure, dark fruit – with intense aromatics of dried herbs, blood orange and bergamot. Offering gentle, gravelly tannins and a dry, salty finish, it will mature for decades.
'In Bandol, no other winery rivals the influence of Domaine Tempier in defining the identity of the appellation.' – Wine Spectator
The refinement and longevity of Domaine Tempier’s wines have made them a true Grand Cru de Provence. Lucien Peyraud and his wife Lucie (Lulu) Tempier helped put Bandol on the fine wine map, having been instrumental in establishing the region as its own AOC in 1941.
Don’t miss out on the last few bottles of Tempier’s limited 2021 Bandol Blanc – a Provençale rarity. It’s a blend of 60% Clairette, 18% Ugni Blanc, 19% Bourboulenc, and 3% Marsanne, and accounts for only 3% of their production. This Bandol Blanc is fine, salty and aromatic with both texture and richness. Terroir-driven with wonderful soul, it too will age for a decade or more.
