2011 Bandol Classique

A classic, textbook red Bandol that shows the vintage nicely, Tempier’s 2011 Bandol Cuvee Classique gives up complex saddle leather, wild herbs, flowers and layers of sweet fruit in its forward, supple and approachable personality. A blend of close to 75% Mourvedre and the balance Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, this medium to full-bodied, rich and textured 2011 can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 10-15 years. One of the leading domaines in Bandol, Domaine Tempier is, without a doubt, the most visible producer from the appellation in the U.S. marketplace today. I think this is well-deserved (and a good thing for Bandol), as the wines are at the top of the hierarchy in terms of quality. The estate has been in the Peyraud family for generations and has a long, storied history that’s beautifully documented in Kermit Lynch’s newsletters and book, Adventures on the Wine Route (an absolute must read for any wine lover). The family is still going strong today, yet the wines are now made by Daniel Ravier. At this tasting, all of the wines showed brilliantly and possessed a surprising level of polish and texture, with no rusticity or coarseness at all. In addition to the wines I was able to review here, they also produce a white (60% Clairette, 19% Bourboulenc, 18% Ugni Blanc and the balance Marsanne), and a very limited red, the Cabassaou (95% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah and a splash of Cinsault). Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524