Few would argue that Domaine Tempier, situated in La Plan du Castellet, is now the areas finest estate. In the 1930s when Lucien Peyraud married Lulu Tempier they were given the domaine as a wedding present from Lulu's father. At that time the vineyards were planted with Carignan for making ordinary table wine, however seeing their potential, Lucien started to replant with Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault. Subsequently, as President of one of the two syndicates of Bandol (the other is headed by Paul Bunan who owns the fine Mas de la Rouviere), he was instrumental in setting the high minimum requirement for Mourvedre and restricting the yields.
In 1951 the domaine acquired the vineyard of La Tourtine, situated on the hillsides below Le Castellet and the following year La Migoua, high up near the church of Le Beausset. With each passing year they have experimented with more Mourvedre and in certain vintages it accounts for over 90% of the blend. The vineyards are worked organically, without artificial fertilizers and sprays. Sulphur is never used since Mourvedre is highly resistant to oxidation. The estate passed into the hands of Lucien's two sons Jean-Marie, and Francois.
Jean-Marie finally decided to retire a couple of years ago, or at the very least take a more ‘back seat’ role. He has enlisted the help of the young, forward thinking oenologue Daniel Ravier, who, with the evident joy of landing what must be one of the most desirable wine making jobs, has set about stamping his mark upon the wines. Daniel is a charming man and tasting from the various barrels, one felt assured that this historic property was in safe hands The grapes are totally destalked since the Mourvedre already possesses sufficient tannins and vinified in stainless steel cuves for around ten days. The wines are then racked off into large wooden foudres where they remain for a minimum of eighteen months-sometimes longer in the case of their special cuvees La Migoua and La Tourtine. Apart from the two limited vineyard bottlings (around 1000 cases are made annually) the domaine also produces a regular red wine cuvee and a cuvee speciale. A delicious rose, made by saigner (bleeding of the juice from the skins) is also made and is one of the finest rose wines in the world.
Per case ex VAT
Southern France
2003 Bandol 'Migoua' (per 6x75cl)
126.00
2004 Bandol 'Tourtine'
269.00
2006 Bandol Rose
164.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
