At a glance

Producer

Domaine Tempier

Region

Bandol, Provence, France

Grape variety

Mourvèdre (predominant), Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$60-$120 (USD, depending on market and provenance)

Tasting profile

Dark plum, blackberry, garrigue herbs, leather, dried flowers, olive, earth; savory richness with emerging tertiary notes.

Evolution: Youthful fruit has receded, giving way to secondary and early tertiary characters. Still vibrant with layered complexity.

At peak: Between 2024-2029, expect maximum aromatic complexity, lush texture, and harmonious tannin integration with pronounced earth/herb savor.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate; enough to balance richness and lend freshness.

Tannins

Firm, well-integrated, with classic Mourvèdre grip.

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

Strong; capable of developing for another 8-10 years under proper storage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2029

Optimal window

2021 to 2032

Current status

Approaching or entering optimal drinking window.

Current condition

Well-developed, entering plateau with tertiary complexity; aging gracefully but not yet in decline.

2013 is a well-structured vintage for Tempier. After a decade, Mourvèdre reveals its complexity and Bandol's savory notes blossom. Tannins have softened but retain backbone, supporting further evolution until ~2032.

Food pairing

Provençal lamb stew, grilled lamb chops, duck with olives, aged sheep’s cheese, wild mushroom dishes, hearty cassoulet. Bold Mediterranean flavors complement its savory depth.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has firm tannins and is 12 years old, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the complexity of flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Hand-harvested grapes, native yeast fermentations, minimal intervention in winemaking, low chemical input in the vineyards, cover-cropping, biodiversity conservation. Recent transition to lighter bottles for reduced packaging impact. Water conservation practiced.

Domaine Tempier is a sustainability leader in Bandol: certified organic, with deep commitment to ecosystem health and environmental stewardship. While not biodynamic, traditional farming and avoidance of synthetic inputs bolster ecological impact. Lighter packaging and limited mechanization further reduce emissions. Carbon footprint is moderate due to global demand, but local sourcing is carbon-efficient. Overall practices reflect strong sustainability with minor room for improvement in international logistics.