At a glance

Producer

Domaine Tempier

Region

AOC Bandol, Bandol, Provence, France

Grape variety

Mourvèdre (95%), Syrah (4%), Cinsault (1%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$80

Tasting profile

Powerful aromas of dark berries, garrigue herbs, earthy minerals, and hints of leather; palate shows dense fruit, firm tannins, and spicy undertones

Evolution: Will progressively soften tannins and integrate savory secondary notes over 5-10 years, gaining complexity and finesse

At peak: Elegant maturity with silky tannins, deep fruit concentration, and complex earthiness

Structure

Acidity

Balanced acidity providing freshness and aging backbone

Tannins

Firm and gripping, a hallmark of Mourvèdre-rich Bandol wines

Alcohol

Around 14.5% ABV, typical for this appellation and style

Aging potential

20+ years due to high Mourvèdre content and proven longevity of Bandol Cabassaou

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2043

Optimal window

2024 to 2046

Current status

Approaching initial drinking maturity, still developing structure and complexity

Current condition

Recently settled after bottling, showing youthful tannins and vibrant acidity

This wine combines a dominant Mourvèdre backbone with structure and acidity that supports extended aging. Top 2018 vintage in Bandol has excellent concentration and balance. Cabassaou vineyard's terroir adds complexity and longevity, enabling a 20+ year drinking window, with peak drinking in the next 5-15 years as tannins smooth and secondary flavors emerge.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Mediterranean dishes such as lamb stew, grilled game, ratatouille, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and open up the dark fruit and herbal complexity in youth

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Domaine Tempier employs sustainable viticulture, including manual harvesting, minimal chemical treatments, and soil health maintenance; uses renewable energy sources and water management systems

While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, Domaine Tempier demonstrates strong commitment to environmental stewardship via sustainable farming, energy conservation, and mindful packaging. Their focus on terroir preservation and reduced chemical inputs contribute positively to sustainability. Export logistics increase carbon emissions but offset by local sales and efficient distribution.