Domaine Tempier, Bandol La Migoua, 2023

Domaine Tempier's bastide was built in 1834 during Louis XV's reign. Lucienne "Lulu" Tempier married Lucien Peyraud in 1936, and the couple became instrumental in securing AOC recognition for Bandol in 1941. Lucien served as President of the Bandol Wine Association for 37 years, establishing Mourvèdre as the region's signature grape and proving its aging potential. Lulu became an ambassador for the wines and was celebrated for Provençal cuisine until her death in 2020 at age 102. La Migoua comes from Tempier's highest vineyard site—270-300 meters on the Beausset Vieux hillside—scattered parcels encircled by wild scrubland. A complex geological accident created unusual layered limestone and dolomite. This elevation brings freshness and elegance to powerful Mourvèdre, making La Migoua "the most ethereal and aromatic" of Tempier's three single-vineyard reds. The 2023 faced drought stress but retained more acidity than typical. Framed by potent but ripe tannins with vivid acidity.