While the rose is always our main offering from Tempier, the reds here are also fantastic, and we have a bit of the Lulu & Lucien today, previously known at the Domaine as simply the Bandol Rouge or Cuvee Classique. The label has been changed as a tribute to founders Lulu & Lucien Peyraud, pioneers of Bandol's AOC status, which was awarded in 1941. A blend of mostly 40+ year-old Mourvedre grown on clay-limestone soils, this wine exemplifies Tempier's commitment to traditional winemaking, including hand-harvesting, long macerations, and aging in large oak foudres for up to 18 months. The 2020 growing season was marked by a warm, dry climate, producing low yields of concentrated Mourvèdre with excellent structure and aging potential. Domaine Tempier remains a benchmark for Bandol, blending history with precision viticulture, and this is a top example.

Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski) 91-93 points! "Tasted from foudre, the 2020 Bandol Cuvee Classique had been blended the week before my visit. Already showing classic notes of tree bark and truffle layered against cherries and raspberries and a touch of olive, it looks relatively precocious. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a long, plush finish. Drink: 2023-2035."