Vintage Domaine Tempier Bandol Cabassaou 2002

Bandol Rouge is one of the world’s greatest crossover wines. It’s New World-esq’ power is perfectly tempered by the nuanced, earthy and savoury characteristics which are quintessentially Old World. Thanks to the region’s limestone soil, Bandol’s red wines have a distinct freshness and fine structure, appealing to those who love the classically styled wines of the Rhône.

Tempier’s Cabassaou is one of their single-vineyard wines, demonstrating the character and personality of that exact plot, aged in large oak casks for 18 months minimum before bottling. The quality of this wine is exceptional. In the glass, it displays a very polished and glossy appearance with a rich, mature colour as you would expect from Bandol at just 18 years of age. The nose is complex and smokey with aromas of black cherry and damsons, cured meat, and bacon. The palate shows savoury gamey notes with touches of sweet red and black fruit. Beautifully textured with flavours of dark damson, cherry, tart cranberry, coffee and spices. The finish is peppery and long. As it has been quoted elsewhere, if this was wine from Bordeaux it would be five times the price. A real window into what fully mature, amazing Tempier Bandol is like.