Tempier and Bandol: Iconic Wines / Iconic Producer 3-9-24

On Sale Now!

“Of all of the domaines we represent, no other serves more as our cornerstone, stands more in the defense of terroir, and is more intricately interwoven with our own history, than that of the iconic Peyraud family of Domaine Tempier…. the wines of Domaine Tempier stand as the proud benchmark when talking about Provençal wines. Through their passion, pioneering, and advocacy for Bandol, the Peyrauds have become legendary. We are fortunate to have their wines serve as the flagship of our portfolio, and even more grateful to have the Peyrauds and their extended family as cherished friends. If any wine can be said to have soul, it’s Tempier.” – Kermit Lynch (Importer)
 
Domaine Tempier is Bandol. It is the most famous producer in the region, best known for its mineral-driven and cellar-friendly rosé. The reds, though, are criminally underrated and underappreciated, especially to lovers of bold, full-throttle wines. They represent the pinnacle of Mourvèdre-based blends that could convince even the most die-hard Rhone lovers to expand their horizons, if only one could manage to convince them to try. That might be the hardest part, but we’ve greased the wheel, so to speak, by placing these reds and all of our in-stock Bandol wines on our three-day sale, starting now.
 
If you aren’t familiar with the Tempier reds (or Bandol in general) know that these are big and rich with a distinct earthiness and a spicy, bright finish. Historically, they were quite tannic as well, but Tempier has made current releases drinkable on release (we just suggest a healthy decant). Oh, and in case you’re wondering, they age remarkably. Mourvèdre effortlessly transcends its decades much like Nebbiolo. So, pick up a few and prepare to have your mind blow now and for decades to come.
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of Bandol wine
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of Bandol wine
 

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Sale ends Tuesday, March 12th at 9 am Pacific
 
Tempier Wines In Stock and On Sale Now:
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Blanc 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“Primarily Clairette (60%) and Ugni Blanc (30%), with bits of Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Rolle, the 2021 Bandol Blanc was still in tank when I visited early last year. It presents a striking juxtaposition of ripe pears and honeyed richness with brighter notes of fresh lime juice on the nose and medium-bodied palate, finishing with a sense of plush richness balanced by mouthwatering citrus zest and brine.”
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge La Migoua 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $81.80, that’s $77.71 at 5% off and $73.62 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“The 2020 Bandol la Migoua—tasted from foudre—is a bit tarry and rubbery (expected, to some degree, in young Mourvèdre-based wines) but opens up to reveal seductive, ripe notes of blackberries and mulberries. A blend of approximately 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault, 15% Grenache and 5% Syrah, it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, concentrated but silky in feel and elegant on the long finish.”
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge La Tourtine 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points
“Mainly Mourvèdre (85%), with Cinsault and Grenache, the 2020 Bandol la Tourtine was still in foudre at the time of my visit last year. Scents of cola, smoke and red berries provide ample complexity on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated and almost creamy in texture while remaining fresh and dynamic on the lengthy finish.”
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee Classique “Pour Lulu” 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $56, that’s $53.20 at 5% off and $50.40 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“Tasted from foudre, the 2020 Bandol Cuvee Classique had been blended the week before my visit. Already showing classic notes of tree bark and truffle layered against cherries and raspberries and a touch of olive, it looks relatively precocious. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a long, plush finish.”
 
We’ve included all wines from Bandol on our sale, including some of the finest rosés and reds available:
 
Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan Bandol Rosé 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points
“Chateau Romassan sits at the foot of the hilltop village Le Castellet, a few miles north of the Bay of Bandol. The Otts rely on mourvedre for the bulk of their rose, this one includes 30 percent cinsault and 15 percent grenache), and, thought 2021 was another hot summer here, Romassan’s poor limestone and sandstone soils produced a deeply savory wine. This pale Bandol seems to have inhaled the local scrubland and seaside breezes, presenting that savory edge alongside husk cherry, grapefruit and pale melon flavors. Firm and versatile, it would pair nicely with anything from bouillabaisse to a Nicoise salad; or take it abroad alongside chicken yakitori.”
 
“[Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé] cuvée is assembled by Peter Weygandt, of Weygandt-Metzler, at the domaine with the talented help of Stéphane Bourret, the winemaker, and the Bronzo family. This is delicious and very rewarding dry pink wine and, selling at almost half the price of Tempier’s Bandol Rosé, it is a real bargain!” –Kerry Winslow, Grapelive
 
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $26, that’s $24.70 at 5% off and $23.40 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
78% Mourvedre, 18% Grenache, 4% Cinsault. Limestone soil, hand-harvested. Certified Organic. Bottled exclusively for Weygandt-Metzler Importing & the American market. The 2022 is fresh, typical Bandol with more spices this year than in previous years. A lot of character, less dark – classic. Lower yields than last 2 vintages, so more substance but great acidity. Partial malo and maceration of the Cinsault and Mourvèdre.
 
Few producers capture our hearts like Chateau Pradeaux. The estate works their old-vine vineyard entirely with organic practices and graze sheep instead of employing herbicide. Serving a harvest basket full of southern French fruit and herbs that’s all underscored by a chalky minerality, these are complex and crowd-pleasing wines.
 
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $36.50, that’s $34.68 at 5% off and $32.85 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“Not bottled yet at the time of my spring visit to the region, the 2021 Bandol Rose nevertheless showed exceptional promise in my blind tasting. A blend of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault, it’s a coppery flamingo-pink in color, with more extraction and tannin than your typical Bandol rosé. It’s round and ripe on the palate, medium to full-bodied, with cherry and lime notes and a long, softly dusty finish. The 2020 version, tried at the estate, is still going strong and might be even a little bit better. Don’t skip it just because it’s not called out on this list.”
Rosenthal Wine Merchant importer note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, Etienne Portalis insists that the Domaine’s rosé is a gastronomic experience, not just an easy-drinking wine. We could not agree more, and tastings at Château Pradeaux have repeatedly demonstrated the graceful, profound future this wine encounters if not swallowed in its infancy.”
 
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rouge 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine importer note
“The Bandol from Pradeaux is a creature whose soul emerges from Mourvèdre. The classic cuvée is 95% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache, with the Grenache adding spice to the bouquet and leavening some of the drama provided by the intimidating structure of the Mourvèdre. One of the hallmarks of Pradeaux is that the grapes are never destemmed. The result is a wine of ferocious tannin in its youth, another reason for the prolonged aging in these large wooden barrels, a time for the wine to repose and find its identity as it emerges from the cocoon of tannins to reveal an exceptionally complex crowd of aromas and flavors. Although situated mere steps from the Mediterranean, harvest at Pradeaux (always manual) frequently starts in earnest for the Mourvedre during the first weeks of October. The average age of the vines is approximately 35 years and harvest levels are quite low, often in the range of 25 hectoliters per hectare. Fermentation occurs at temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius and the wines are racked into large oak ovals and foudres where they rest with occasional rackings for four years before being bottled. Neither new oak nor small barrels are ever used at Pradeaux and the red wines are never fined nor filtered.”
 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
AJ Adam
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of A.J. Adam
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of A.J. Adam

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Sale ends Sunday, March 10th at 9 am Pacific.