Domaine Tempier 'Cabassaou' 2022

Domaine Tempier 'Cabassaou' 2022 is the rarest, most concentrated, and profound single-vineyard bottling produced by the iconic Domaine Tempier. Sourced from a tiny amphitheater of old vines nestled at the foot of the Tourtine hill in Le Castellet, this micro-terroir is sheltered from the drying gusts of the Mistral wind by surrounding terraces (restanques). Benefiting from exceptional warmth and radiant sun exposure, the parcel yields Mourvèdre of astonishing phenolic ripeness and power. Destemmed, naturally fermented in concrete vats with native yeasts, and matured for 18 months in large neutral oak foudres, it displays an opaque, brooding dark purple-garnet core. The bouquet is strikingly complex and deep, revealing concentrated notes of crushed blackcurrants, roasted plums, and wild mulberries intricately layered with black licorice, Provençal garrigue, tapenade, smoked meat, dried violets, and warm stones. On the palate, it exhibits immense architectural density and power held together by fine-grained, firm tannins and a balancing vein of salinity, carrying into a remarkably long, savory, and structured finish built for decades of cellaring.

Food Pairing: Roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, slow-braised beef short ribs, daube provençale, roasted venison loin, or aged farmhouse cheeses.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

Bandol rouge at its finest, this is a powerful display of fruit, mineral and earth that’s just beginning to unfurl. Violet and black currant are lashed with salt as iron bolts provide structure. Firm and powerful, with flashes of anise, warm spices, earth and menthol freshness. The tannins are finessed but still hold a powerful grip on the lengthy finish. This is one for the cellar. Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsaut. Best from 2026 through 2040. 44 cases imported.