Domaine Tempier Lulu & Lucien Bandol 2023

Domaine Tempier is one of the historic estates of Bandol, with the Peyraud family instrumental in establishing Mourvèdre as the defining red variety of the appellation. Lucien Peyraud and his wife Lucie, affectionately known as Lulu, inherited the estate in the late 1930s and became leading advocates for the recognition of Bandol's distinctive viticultural heritage. Named in their honour, this cuvée is the estate's principal red, combining fruit from several vineyards around Le Plan du Castellet, where clay-limestone soils, calcareous marl and sandy deposits contribute to the complexity of the blend. The 2023 comprises approximately 75% Mourvèdre, complemented by Grenache, Cinsault and small proportions of Carignan and Syrah, from vines averaging 35–40 years of age. The grapes are harvested by hand, completely destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts over three to four weeks, followed by a minimum of eighteen months in large oak foudres. The wine combines blackberry, blackcurrant and dark cherry with black pepper, garrigue herbs and subtle notes of incense. Concentrated and savoury, the palate has substantial yet well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish, with the capacity to develop the leather, tobacco and woodland characteristics traditionally associated with mature Bandol.