Bandol is a little known region in Provence, down in the south of France. It might not be a name that immediately makes your ears prick up, but it should be!! Bandol is down on the Mediterranean coast nestled between Marseille and Toulon. This small appellation produces lovely rich rosés and blockbuster reds. It is a blockbuster red that I am reviewing. Mourvedre is the dominant grape variety with Syrah, Grenache and Carignan (amongst others) making up the rest of the blends.
The Domaine Tempier Bandol is 80% Mourvedre and is a fantastic example of what these wines are capable of. This wine is 2010 and has spent 18 months in old French oak. It has an inviting nose of black fruit, menthol, clove and sage.
The palate is even more appetising! It is full bodied with ripe, grippy tannins and a core of concentrated black cherry, plum and blackcurrant. Complexity then comes through in the form of pepper, sage, thyme and liquorice notes along with cloves and sweet spice from the oak. This wine also has a real gamey character with leathery notes.
All in all, this wine has it all! It is rich, full bodied, plenty of complexity and a hugely long finish. This wine can be enjoyed on its own by those who love big reds, or alternatively this wine will pair beautifully with duck cassoulet, rare beef and other hearty dishes. This wine will also benefit from cellaring for up to 10 years, if you have the patience!
This wine is available for around £25 from The Wine Society and I think it is worth every penny. If you want this kind of quality and complexity in wine from other areas then you would be paying double. This is a fantastic wine!
Follow me on Twitter @roberthaynes88
The Domaine Tempier Bandol is 80% Mourvedre and is a fantastic example of what these wines are capable of. This wine is 2010 and has spent 18 months in old French oak. It has an inviting nose of black fruit, menthol, clove and sage.
The palate is even more appetising! It is full bodied with ripe, grippy tannins and a core of concentrated black cherry, plum and blackcurrant. Complexity then comes through in the form of pepper, sage, thyme and liquorice notes along with cloves and sweet spice from the oak. This wine also has a real gamey character with leathery notes.
All in all, this wine has it all! It is rich, full bodied, plenty of complexity and a hugely long finish. This wine can be enjoyed on its own by those who love big reds, or alternatively this wine will pair beautifully with duck cassoulet, rare beef and other hearty dishes. This wine will also benefit from cellaring for up to 10 years, if you have the patience!
This wine is available for around £25 from The Wine Society and I think it is worth every penny. If you want this kind of quality and complexity in wine from other areas then you would be paying double. This is a fantastic wine!
Follow me on Twitter @roberthaynes88
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