Region: Bandol, Provence
Variety: Mourvèdre-dominant blend
Vintage: 2009
The Wine
Domaine Tempier Cuvée Classique is one of France’s great reference wines for Mourvèdre, and a benchmark expression of Bandol. Sourced from a mosaic of estate vineyards across the appellation, the wine captures the full breadth of Tempier’s terroirs — limestone, clay and maritime influence.
Mourvèdre thrives in Bandol’s sun-drenched climate, yet Tempier’s elevated sites and cooling Mediterranean breezes preserve freshness and structure. The winemaking is traditional and restrained, allowing the grape’s natural depth and savoury complexity to unfold slowly over time.
The result is a wine of power without heaviness — structured, earthy and profoundly age-worthy, evolving over decades into one of southern France’s most compelling mature reds.
Cellared Says
One of the great long-term cellaring reds of France. Earthy, savoury and deeply expressive, Cuvée Classique is essential for collectors seeking serious wines beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy. The 2009 is an almost perfect vintage of this wine, professionally cellared since purchase, it will drink well now but reward a few more years in the cellar.
The traditional Bandol Rouge “Cuvée Classique” from Domaine Tempier is effectively still being produced, but its name has changed. Starting with the 2020 vintage, the estate renamed this cuvée “Lulu & Lucien” in honour of Lucie “Lulu” Peyraud and her husband Lucien Peyraud — key figures in the domaine’s history and pivotal in establishing Bandol as an appellation.
Wine Reviews
“A classic Bandol, showing dark fruit, garrigue, leather and spice. Firmly structured yet beautifully balanced, with exceptional ageing potential.”
Wine Advocate – 94 Points
“Powerful but precise, with Mourvèdre depth, mineral drive and a long, savoury finish. This is Bandol at its most authentic.”
Jancis Robinson MW – 17/20
Region: Bandol, Provence
Variety: Mourvèdre-dominant blend
Vintage: 2009
The Wine
Domaine Tempier Cuvée Classique is one of France’s great reference wines for Mourvèdre, and a benchmark expression of Bandol. Sourced from a mosaic of estate vineyards across the appellation, the wine captures the full breadth of Tempier’s terroirs — limestone, clay and maritime influence.
Mourvèdre thrives in Bandol’s sun-drenched climate, yet Tempier’s elevated sites and cooling Mediterranean breezes preserve freshness and structure. The winemaking is traditional and restrained, allowing the grape’s natural depth and savoury complexity to unfold slowly over time.
The result is a wine of power without heaviness — structured, earthy and profoundly age-worthy, evolving over decades into one of southern France’s most compelling mature reds.
Cellared Says
One of the great long-term cellaring reds of France. Earthy, savoury and deeply expressive, Cuvée Classique is essential for collectors seeking serious wines beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy. The 2009 is an almost perfect vintage of this wine, professionally cellared since purchase, it will drink well now but reward a few more years in the cellar.
The traditional Bandol Rouge “Cuvée Classique” from Domaine Tempier is effectively still being produced, but its name has changed. Starting with the 2020 vintage, the estate renamed this cuvée “Lulu & Lucien” in honour of Lucie “Lulu” Peyraud and her husband Lucien Peyraud — key figures in the domaine’s history and pivotal in establishing Bandol as an appellation.
Wine Reviews
“A classic Bandol, showing dark fruit, garrigue, leather and spice. Firmly structured yet beautifully balanced, with exceptional ageing potential.”
Wine Advocate – 94 Points
“Powerful but precise, with Mourvèdre depth, mineral drive and a long, savoury finish. This is Bandol at its most authentic.”
Jancis Robinson MW – 17/20
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