DOMAINE TEMPIER CUVEE LA TOURTINE BANDOL ROUGE 2022

Perched on a windswept hilltop near Castellet with all-day sun exposure, Domaine Tempier's La Tourtine vineyard represents one of Bandol's most distinctive terroirs. The 5.5-hectare site features unusual Santonien-era (75-90 million years old) sandstone and marl soils with surface gypsum deposits and surprising clay depth despite its elevation—creating ideal conditions for their predominant Mourvèdre (85%) complemented by Grenache and Cinsault. These 45-50 year-old vines, following the regional wisdom that "Mourvèdre likes to see the sea with its feet in water," produce exceptionally concentrated fruit through biodynamic cultivation methods. Hand-selected clusters undergo indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete vats before aging 18 months in large oak vessels. The resulting wine masterfully balances power and elegance with remarkable aging potential of 5-20+ years, displaying profound complexity, structured tannins, distinctive minerality, and concentrated dark fruit characteristics that epitomize Bandol's finest expressions.