Vintage Domaine Tempier Bandol Cabassaou 2011

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.

The Cabassaou vineyard sits below La Tourtine, on a slightly sheltered position which protects the vines from the full force of the Mistral winds. This gives superior character to the grapes and the vines from this plot provide extremely low yields of highly concentrated fruit. The wine spends 18 to 20 months in oak barrels prior to bottling.

Now 10 years old, this wine is really starting to show how great it is. It drinks like a classic textbook red Bandol that shows complex saddle leather, wild herbs, flowers and layers of sweet fruit in its forward, supple and approachable style. On the palate, different flavours are knitted together including black fruits, raspberry, raisin, liquorice and ground Provencal herbs. The wine is medium-bodied, layered, rich and textured, made in a forward, delicious and hedonistic style. Superb now but will age beautifully for another 10 to 15 years if you can put a few bottles away.