Domaine Tempier Cabassaou 2023

Domaine Tempier is one of the founding estates of AOC Bandol in Provence, and Cabassaou is its top single-vineyard cuvée, drawn from the oldest, most sheltered Mourvèdre vines within the La Tourtine plot, with a small share of Syrah. The site sits on limestone and clay in a warm, wind-protected pocket, and the mature vines and low yields give this the deepest fruit and firmest structure of the range. Warm days ripen the late Mourvèdre fully while cool nights and sea air preserve the acidity. Farming is organic. After fermentation the wine ages 18 months in large old oak foudres, where the low wood surface to wine ratio means slow, gentle oxygen exchange that rounds Mourvèdre's powerful tannins over time without lending any oak character. The colour is deep, near-opaque ruby. The nose shows blackberry, dark plum and cherry over garrigue herbs, liquorice, pepper and leather. The palate is full bodied and dense, with concentrated dark fruit, firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, earthy, savoury finish built for the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits roast lamb and grilled red meat.