Domaine Tempier, located in the heart of the Bandol appellation, was established by the Tempier family in 1834. The domaine won its first gold medal in 1885 and is one of the few 19th-century family-run wine estates that has stayed true to its past.

According to historians, Bandol’s first vines were planted around since 600 BC and the Romans exported the local wines from Bandol harbor. On 11 November 1941, Bandol was granted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee) status.

Domaine Tempier’s 38 hectares are spread over several parcels facing the sea on steep, sun-drenched slopes. It is made up of a patchwork of vineyards, the main ones being La Migoua in Le Beausset-Vieux and La Tourtine and Cabassaou in Le Castellet, as well as the house in Le Plan du Castellet. The Mourvedre grape thrives on the Bandol terroir of rocky landscapes and hundred-year-old terraces. It is combined with Grenache to give the wine body and fruit, and with Cinsault which provides refinement and balance. The dark-colored Mourvedre gives the Bandol red wines their structure and elegance as well as their capacity to age well.

The 2020 Domaine Tempier Bandol la Tourtine is a red wine from the Bandol sub-region in Provence, France. This wine is a proprietary blend, predominantly featuring Mourvèdre (85%), complemented by Cinsault and Grenache. The wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.5%.

Domaine Tempier, known for its high-quality wines, has produced a noteworthy vintage with this 2020 release. The wine has garnered significant attention from critics, particularly from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, where it received an excellent score of 96 points.

In his review for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, JC describes the wine as offering a complex aromatic profile: "Scents of cola, smoke, and red berries provide ample complexity on the nose." This indicates a wine with a multifaceted bouquet, likely to appeal to those who appreciate nuanced aromas.

The palate of the 2020 Bandol la Tourtine is described as "medium to full-bodied," suggesting a wine with substantial presence and weight. JC highlights the wine's texture, noting that it is "concentrated and almost creamy," which is balanced by its "fresh and dynamic" finish. This suggests a wine that manages to be both rich and lively, a combination that can be particularly appealing.

JC's review underscores the wine's potential, with a score range of 94 to 96 points, indicating high praise and recognition of its quality. The lengthy finish mentioned in the review suggests that this wine could be suitable for aging, allowing its flavors to further develop and mature over time.

In summary, the 2020 Domaine Tempier Bandol la Tourtine is a highly regarded red wine with a complex nose and a well-balanced palate. Its excellent review from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highlights its potential as a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.