WTN: 99 Tempier (OTBN)

Had to have a belated observance of OTBN, but it was worth the wait for a Domaine Tempier 1999 Bandol Cuvée Spéciale La Migoua. I think this was part of a mixed case bought in person at Kermit Lynch’s shop on release and shipped back to Chicago, from the days when our entire cellar fit in our shiny new 80-bottle Eurocave. Decanted for sediment about 20 minutes in advance. Still an intense ruby color, when this gets going, it’s a fabulous harmony of earthy-truffly, almost waxy bass notes and a vivid mix of black cherry and plum fruit, restrained but still fresh. Although there’s already a lot going on here, I’m convinced this is really only getting started and will be in no hurry to open my other bottle. Very interesting to come back to Tempier after many years in which the majority of Mourvèdre in my diet has been Californian: this is sterner, less floral, and more tannic than what I’ve gotten used to from Hardy Wallace, but compexly aromatic in a different register or palette, showing surprising affinities to Italian Nebbiolo. Very happy to have opened this.

[David M. Bueker]

That sounds wonderful.

I was doing some cellar organization today (ah retirement!) and ran across some 2011 Tempier that had not been inventoried. I hope I don’t have to wait 12 more years!