2013 Domaine Tempier, Bandol Rouge, Cuvee Classique, Provence, France.
A slightly tricky, cooler year in the south of France somehow played into the hands of Syrah and Mourvedre, and especially at Tempier the Mourvedre in their Bandol reds is classically deep, meaty and brooding, but with a juicy grapey balance to make them very pleasurable, in particular the basic Bandol stands out in it’s youth. The Domaine Tempier has in recent vintages been a bit cleaner, internationally styled, friendly and a touch easier to love on release, but while it is so, the 2013’s bring back some of the raw and wild nature of Bandol, this is surly true in the upper end cuvees with the famed Cabassaou being extreme, it is a cellar wine of enormous potential and power, though it will need the patience of the gods, so I highlighted the basic Bandol Cuvee Classique, though it still has a long life ahead of it too, it can be drunk with joyous rapture short term. The Tempier Bandol Rouge 2013 starts with a contrast of scents from dark flowers to iron along with truffle, black fruits, saddle and horse leading to a complex array of flavors on the palate, heightened acidity and firm tannins. The mouth feel is powerful with leather, gritty stones, concord grape, black cherry, boysenberry, wild plum and tangy currant, this wine oozes Mourvedre through and through, though there is a dose of Grenache and Cinnsault as well, they play subtle support roles and may add to roundness and spicy side of this forceful red. There is an animal nature and an earthy element that screams old school, so if you’ve longed for the old days from Tempier 2013 is your vintage to reconnect to this great winery, I love these 2013’s and this regular bottling is a great place to start, and if you’ve not tasted Bandol or Tempier this year is a must experience. Drink over the next 10 to 15 years, best from 2017 to 2025, this slightly gamey edition is wonderfully crafted and pure, it certainly should be enjoyed with cuisine.
($45 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
