2008 Bandol Tourtine

More polished and suave than the La Migoua, the 2008 Domaine Tempier Bandol Cuvée Spéciale La Tourtine, a blend of roughly 80% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault and Grenache, from chalk and clay soils, has loads of black raspberry and creamy black fruits to go with smoked earth, crushed flowers, tobacco, and underbrush aromas and flavors. Medium to full bodied on the palate and impeccably balanced, with a substantial, seamless texture that coats the mouth, good acidity, and a fleshy layer of fruit sitting on top of solid underlying structure, this serious wine is delicious now due to the fruit, but will be even better in 2-4 years. Actually less complex than the La Migoua at the moment, but with more substance and depth, this needs a solid 5-8 years in the cellar, but should be very long lived. Stunning stuff.