2022 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine

WINEMAKER: Daniel Ravier
REGION: Provence, FR
VARIETY: Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic

This wine is made from grapes grown on a terroir near the village of Le Castellet. The vineyard sits high up on the hillside, on average 170m above sea level, and has relatively homogenous soil comprised of chalk and clay on top of 100 million year old rock. The Mourvedre vines flourish on this terroir producing excellent wines that are powerful, tannic and fruity. La Tourtine comprises 70–80% Mourvedre depending on the year. Frequently windswept by the mistral, this vineyard is particularly well exposed, resulting in a wine with long ageing potential that retains its red berry and spice aromas even after 10 to 15 years.

Of the 2020 ‘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.’ 94-96 Points, Joe Czerwinski, eRobertParker.com, Feb 2023