Vintage Domaine Tempier Bandol Classique 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.

Tempier’s Classique is a blend of various sites that shows off the elegant style that this Domaine is known for. Aged in large oak casks for a minimum of 18 months before bottling. Now 10 years old, this wine is mature and supple; a real rarity. In the glass it is wonderfully fragrant with notes of dried herbs, pine needles, red and black cherries and a savoury, leathery, meaty lining. It has had time to develop the complexity that many seek; on the palate, there is liquorice, violet, and tertiary elements of wood, tobacco and old leather. Fine-grained gravelly tannins polish off this piece of Tempier history. Only a handful of bottles are left of this parcel that we sourced from a private collector.