Tempier Single Vineyards
by Chris Santini
2023 Bandol Rouge
“La Tourtine”
France | Provence
Tourtine is the classic soul of Bandol, with its full body, deep purple trim, and hints of plums, truffles, and ripe black cherries. Locals like to say that Mourvèdre is happiest when facing the sea, and you can taste that it couldn’t be any happier than on this slope it shares with olive trees, looking down toward the city of Bandol and its old port that gave the region its name. Tempier single vineyards, especially from concentrated vintages such as 2023, live long and age with grace. Enjoy them now, for sure, but put some aside as well. Perhaps you’ll thank me when you pop a cork in 2055!
2023 Bandol Rouge
“La Migoua”
France | Provence
Mourvèdre, the dark knight of Bandol, rich and boldly expressive of all things Provence, relinquishes the center stage here and shares the spotlight with the more delicate, floral, and fresh Cinsault. This is a rare marriage in red Bandol (Cinsault is usually a key player in rosé rather than rouge), from an even rarer terroir for the region, high on the hills, deep in a pine forest, far from it all. As is often the case, the Migoua this year is the most forward and open-tasting single vineyard from Tempier, where its tinge of rosemary, wisp of anise, and hint of smoke combine for a glass full of deliciousness.