2001 Domaine Tempier Bandol
The Peyrauds of Domaine Tempier in Bandol were instrumental in bringing back this almost forgotten appellation due south of Marseille. Domaine Tempier’s rouge and rose have been on the list at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, where their importer, Kermit Lynch, is also based, since practically day one. Mourvedre, the grape that gives Bandols their inky color and wild, almost smoky taste, is suddenly in vogue among California winemakers too.
Small wonder. The normale from the great 2001 vintage has everything we’ve come to love about Bandol -- the taste of black cherries, color so deep it stains the glass, good concentration and raspy tannins. It’s like Zinfandel without the sweetness. This 2001 is a terrific expression of Mourvedre, and much easier on the pocketbook than Tempier’s more famous single vineyard bottlings.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. July 7, 2004 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Tuesday July 06, 2004 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 0 inches; 26 words Type of Material: Correction
Appellation location -- The June 16 Wine of the Week column in the Food section said Bandol is south of Marseille. It is east of Marseille.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday July 07, 2004 Home Edition Food Part F Page 2 Features Desk 0 inches; 27 words Type of Material: Correction
Appellation location -- The June 16 Wine of the Week column in the Food section said Bandol is due south of Marseille. It is east of Marseille.
S. Irene Virbila
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Quick swirl
Region: Provence
Price: About $28
Style: Full-bodied and lush
Food it goes with: Everything grilled
Where you find it: Available at fine wine retailers through the Southland