Domaine Tempier La Tourtine 2023

Domaine Tempier in Bandol, Provence, is one of the estates that shaped the appellation, and La Tourtine is one of its named single-vineyard cuvées. The plot sits on limestone and clay in a sun-trapped amphitheatre near the Mediterranean, where warm days ripen the late Mourvèdre fully while sea breezes and cool nights hold the acidity and the grape's wild, savoury aromatics. Farming is biodynamic and organic. Mourvèdre needs both heat and time in wood to soften, so after fermentation the wine ages 18 months in large old oak foudres. Because these casks hold a lot of wine relative to their surface, oxygen transfer is slow and gentle, which tames Mourvèdre's naturally firm tannins without adding oak flavour. The wine is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows blackberry and plum over garrigue herbs, thyme, cracked pepper and leather. The palate is full bodied and structured, with dense dark fruit, firm tannins and an earthy, savoury finish that will soften over years in the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles. It is a natural match for roast lamb and grilled red meat.