The 2022 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine is a red wine that truly embodies the finesse of Tempier's offerings. While other bottlings might showcase exuberance, La Tourtine is where delicacy and refinement shine through, becoming even more majestic as it opens up. This exceptional and understated Bandol is a testament to the legacy of Lulu and Lucien Peyraud, who were instrumental in establishing Bandol as its own A.O.C. in 1941 and reviving Mourvèdre to its former glory. The 2022 vintage, like many in the region, faced challenges with heat, drought, fires, and storms, leading to concerns about the overall growing season. However, despite these conditions, the wine is expected to be a rich and fruit-forward expression of Mourvèdre. The La Tourtine cuvée typically features the highest percentage of Mourvèdre in the blend, often around 80%, complemented by Grenache and Cinsault, from vines over forty years of age planted on clay-limestone soils. 【Exceptional and understated Bandol, showcasing finesse and refinement.】 Tasting notes for the 2022 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine describe a purplish color with a reddish rim. The nose is pleasant, and the palate is dry with nice complexity, showing raspberries, red cherries, currants, light wood, spices, coffee, dark chocolates, earth, and tobacco. It has a nice finish with fine-grained tannins and tangy raspberries. The wine is full-bodied with zippy acidity and refined tannins, offering exuberant floral aromatics and summer-fruit character that give way to dark berries, spice, and garrigue. It is described as earthy, fruity, and minerally. Food Pairing: This bold and structured red wine is a perfect pairing for grilled lamb chops, rosemary-roasted chicken, or garrigue-spiced stews. Its complexity also makes it suitable for other lamb dishes. Event Suggestions: Ideal for a celebratory dinner, a gathering with friends who appreciate robust red wines, or a special occasion where a wine with significant aging potential (20+ years) would be cherished.