I’d been sitting on the 2013 Domaine Tempier “La Tourtine” Bandol Rouge for a few years now and decided to pop it open for date night at home. I think I picked just the right time!

I was first introduced to Domaine Tempier on a first (and only) date when the gentleman explained that their rosé was his everyday wine. I later learned more about the storied domaine in Kermit Lynch’s “Adventures on the Wine Route“. My dad thoughtfully sent me a few bottles along with the book as an obviously necessary step in my wine education.

Domaine Tempier was founded in in 1834 in the heart of Bandol (it wasn’t an established AOC until 1941 when Lucien Peyraud, married to Lulu Tempier, fought for the distinction.) This is the heart of Mourvèdre country and the AOC requires a 50% minimum in all Bandol reds.

Kermit was introduced to the family in 1976 and has been a champion of their wines ever since. Lulu, infamous for her hospitality and Provencal cooking, still welcomes guests to the domaine at the age of 98!

We decanted the wine and it really opened up after about an hour. It was slow to express anything on the nose or palate prior. 80%
Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 10% Cinsault make up the blend. As we sat down to dinner and took another whiff, there were notes of brett (the barnyard not bandaid type), red fruits, meaty, animal, and a little herbacious rosemary. There were hints of carbonic maceration as the wine opened up as well, giving that signature hint of fizz. It was overall, smooth, with a lively acidity, good fruit, and a touch of iron on the finish. A good match for steak au poive and mushrooms. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer as I’m not sure this wine would have gotten any better!

Wine: 2013 Domaine Tempier “La Tourtine” Bandol Rouge
Purchased: Kermit Lynch
Price: $69