TN: 2005 Domaine Tempier - Bandol (France, Provence, Bandol)

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

Bought this 9 years ago for $26 --- {sigh} ... used my new Glasvin "Expression" glass and was happy with how it presented the wine.

2005 Domaine Tempier Bandol - France, Provence, Bandol (2/2/2021)
-- decanted 1 hour before initial taste --
-- tasted non-blind over a few hours on Day 1; revisited on Day 3 --

NOSE: expressive aromas of plums and blackberries; garrigue; red licorice; and a hint of wet stones. Day 3: strong mineral note now; still some garrigue and red licorice; probably still not yet at peak.

BODY: garnet color with slight bricking throughout; color is of medium depth; medium-full bodied.

TASTE: still a bit tannic, but drinking nicely; garrigue; deep, dark cherry, of medium to medium+ concentration; a bit earthy; medium+ acidity; alc. is a touch spiky; my score feels a bit high, but I don't see where I'd score it lower, so perhaps it's best to call this a slightly-underwhelming 93, but that should not be mistaken for me saying this isn't excellent, because it is excellent. Drink now and over the next decade, perhaps even longer.

50, 5, 13, 17, 8 = (93 pts.)

[Jud Reis]

Nice note Brian. Such great wines and they did indeed used to be such a steal...

[D@vid Bu3ker]

Makes me want to check in on my 2005 Pibarnon.

[IlkkaL]

Thanks for the note, sounds awesome. Fortunately the prices have not moved much in France and as such it remains quite affordable. I buy this bottling every year and just got some of the 2019 Blanc which I think is a lovely wine too.

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

Sadly, the basic rouge costs at least $50 these days.

[mdealessi]

I've used to never miss tourtine and migoua (from '98 to '09), but now I'm regretting not going for more of the classique - those are gone and are the ones I've enjoyed most over the years!

[Phil T r o t t e r]

Thanks for the note, sounds awesome. Fortunately the prices have not moved much in France and as such it remains quite affordable. I buy this bottling every year and just got some of the 2019 Blanc which I think is a lovely wine too.

Ilkka, the Tempier 2017 is finally hitting the shelves tonight over here. Have you tried it by chance?

[C. Mc Cart]

Wish I started buying this much sooner. Love the rose, but never bought the reds until very recently. Would be nice to have some mature Bandol rouge to enjoy from the cellar before I'm an old man.

[IlkkaL]

Thanks for the note, sounds awesome. Fortunately the prices have not moved much in France and as such it remains quite affordable. I buy this bottling every year and just got some of the 2019 Blanc which I think is a lovely wine too.

Ilkka, the Tempier 2017 is finally hitting the shelves tonight over here. Have you tried it by chance?

No way, went straight to the cellar. If one wants to drink their Bandol young I think there are other wines that are better suited for that. The most recent Tempier I’ve tried was the 2015 in 2019 and it was just way too ripe and all fruit to appeal to me yet. I am contemplating on opening the 2009 soon.

[Phil T r o t t e r]

No way, went straight to the cellar. If one wants to drink their Bandol young I think there are other wines that are better suited for that. The most recent Tempier I’ve tried was the 2015 in 2019 and it was just way too ripe and all fruit to appeal to me yet. I am contemplating on opening the 2009 soon.

Thanks. I was hoping you had taken a peek since I was thinking of skipping 2017 & 2018 due to lack of cellar space but I might end up drinking some other bottles (white Burg I'm looking at you) to free up rack space.

[IlkkaL]

No way, went straight to the cellar. If one wants to drink their Bandol young I think there are other wines that are better suited for that. The most recent Tempier I’ve tried was the 2015 in 2019 and it was just way too ripe and all fruit to appeal to me yet. I am contemplating on opening the 2009 soon.

Thanks. I was hoping you had taken a peek since I was thinking of skipping 2017 & 2018 due to lack of cellar space but I might end up drinking some other bottles (white Burg I'm looking at you) to free up rack space.

Can’t help you there, sorry

I personally buy Tempier and Château Simone rouges every vintage, no matter what. Somehow I’m way more picky when it comes to N. Rhône and Burgundy.

[Arv R]

That price is such a flashback. I had a decent - and new to me - Bandol in the last year or so: Domaine Sorin. This is an AOC I hardly ever have any of at any time.

[John Morris]

2005 Domaine Tempier Bandol - France, Provence, Bandol (2/2/2021)
.... my score feels a bit high, but I don't see where I'd score it lower, so perhaps it's best to call this a slightly-underwhelming 93, but that should not be mistaken for me saying this isn't excellent...
50, 5, 13, 17, 8 = (93 pts.)

Hedging your bets, are you? This made me chuckle.

Great price. I paid $45, I think, circa 2007.

The last time I had this, several years ago, the tannins were pretty coarse and aggressive (like 2005 in many French regions), so I’ve held off opening my remaining bottles. Your notes suggests I should wait a few more years. Frankly, I had some doubts about whether the tannins would ever moderate enough for this to be a great Tempier.

Footnote: One of my biggest wine regrets is not buying Tempier for several decades. Stupid me!

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

2005 Domaine Tempier Bandol - France, Provence, Bandol (2/2/2021)
.... my score feels a bit high, but I don't see where I'd score it lower, so perhaps it's best to call this a slightly-underwhelming 93, but that should not be mistaken for me saying this isn't excellent...
50, 5, 13, 17, 8 = (93 pts.)

Hedging your bets, are you? This made me chuckle.

Great price. I paid $45, I think, circa 2007.

The last time I had this, several years ago, the tannins were pretty coarse and aggressive (like 2005 in many French regions), so I’ve held off opening my remaining bottles. Your notes suggests I should wait a few more years. Frankly, I had some doubts about whether the tannins would ever moderate enough for this to be a great Tempier.

Footnote: One of my biggest wine regrets is not buying Tempier for several decades. Stupid me!

Yyyyyep, on all accounts. I'm not excited to buy at current pricing, but very much wish I would have been lucky enough to load-up when I started building our selection. The score about the sentence -- yes, a somewhat hackneyed attempt at making sure I'm not misunderstood. By definition, 90+ points is "excellent" from me, and I didn't want that point to get lost amidst me saying this was an "underwhelming 93." 93 is typically where I start being smitten with a wine, and that just didn't happen for me with this one.

[PCLIN]

Footnote: One of my biggest wine regrets is not buying Tempier for several decades. Stupid me!

I have only started buying from 2015 vintage onward, still great QPR. And I ordered all vintages of basic Bandol in 375ml!

Side note: ‘15 is drinking well now. Does this wine shut down at all?

[Al Osterheld]

Had a 2008 Tempier La Tourtine last Sunday that was really rocking with lamb. I still buy occasionally, but my purchases of the Tempier reds dropped off as the prices rose. There are other producers that remain more reasonable, like Pradeaux, Pibarnon, Terrabrune and others. One of my grocery stores has a basic Bandol Rouge, Moulin de la Roque Bandol Les Hauts du Vallon, that is quite solid at $20.

-Al

[Arv R]

Are there any other southern French mourvedre driven wines that are comparable to Bandol? I can't think of any offhand....

[Taylor Broussard]

Are there any other southern French mourvedre driven wines that are comparable to Bandol? I can't think of any offhand....

Arv, Chateau La Roque in Languedoc makes an IGP Old Vine (mostly - 70%) Mourvedre with 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah. 50-60 year old vines. My only experience with this bottling was a 2018 a couple weeks ago. I think it has many of the qualities of young Bandol/Mourvedre - and have no reason to think it wouldn't cellar for 10 years with excellent results. Personally, I find that Bandol/Mourvedre really transforms in bottle after 8+ years so it's impossible to judge much based off that one bottle and drinking them young is rarely anything like drinking them with time.

Ilkka, I opened the 2009 Tempier last year in December alongside a 2010 Pibarnon - the Tempier was absolutely gorgeous. The 2010 Pibarnon showed a bit overly bretty and was quite overshadowed by the generosity of the 2009 Tempier. I think the 2009 will be quite long-lived, with another 5 years of early maturity at least, and could likely gracefully go for another decade plus.

[Marshall Manning]

Are there any other southern French mourvedre driven wines that are comparable to Bandol? I can't think of any offhand....

Barral's Faugeres Valiniere is about 80% Mourvedre, and as wild as the old Tempier wines.

[H Wallace Jr]

Thanks for the note, sounds awesome. Fortunately the prices have not moved much in France and as such it remains quite affordable. I buy this bottling every year and just got some of the 2019 Blanc which I think is a lovely wine too.

Ilkka, the Tempier 2017 is finally hitting the shelves tonight over here. Have you tried it by chance?

No way, went straight to the cellar. If one wants to drink their Bandol young I think there are other wines that are better suited for that. The most recent Tempier I’ve tried was the 2015 in 2019 and it was just way too ripe and all fruit to appeal to me yet. I am contemplating on opening the 2009 soon.

I've opened a few 2017 Tempier Pour LuLu (and stashed the rest). I think it is worth an early look.

I find myself drinking (and enjoying) more young Bandol rouge than ever. Some is in part to just buying more Bandol (tasting one and cellaring the rest), but also I think there is a lot pleasure (and some pain) in the young wines. With no shortage of old Bandol in the cellar, I seem to be enjoying the wines more and more at all stages of life.

[Phil T r o t t e r]

I bought my 2017 and now the 2018 are coming in over here. They're going through a new lottery process so I'll be one of the many trying my luck for the 402 bottles that are up for grabs (max of 6 per winning entry). Same process for the 2018 rosé in 750ml and 2019 rosé in 1.5L (way smaller quantities though). I'll be crossing my fingers to get lucky to buy some and if I do, I might do an early peak at 2018 & 2019 reds side-by-side, IF I muster the cojones to do so.

I hate this lottery process but I guess it's more democratic in an elitist wine socialism sort of way.

[IlkkaL]

Ilkka, the Tempier 2017 is finally hitting the shelves tonight over here. Have you tried it by chance?

No way, went straight to the cellar. If one wants to drink their Bandol young I think there are other wines that are better suited for that. The most recent Tempier I’ve tried was the 2015 in 2019 and it was just way too ripe and all fruit to appeal to me yet. I am contemplating on opening the 2009 soon.

I've opened a few 2017 Tempier Pour LuLu (and stashed the rest). I think it is worth an early look.

I find myself drinking (and enjoying) more young Bandol rouge than ever. Some is in part to just buying more Bandol (tasting one and cellaring the rest), but also I think there is a lot pleasure (and some pain) in the young wines. With no shortage of old Bandol in the cellar, I seem to be enjoying the wines more and more at all stages of life.

I don't doubt you one bit but then what I've come to understand is that pretty much every winemaker in the world has way more appreciation for young reds than I do. Having said that I really hope I too will one day reach a point where I have what feels like a sufficient amount of old Bandol in the cellar

[Phil T r o t t e r]

Luck was not on my side with last night's lottery. I'll have to find another way to source some 2018 Classique. I did get my hands on some 2019 rosé magnums though.

[C. Mc Cart]

Luck was not on my side with last night's lottery. I'll have to find another way to source some 2018 Classique. I did get my hands on some 2019 rosé magnums though.

Phil, Quebec doesn't have an importer? Does SAQ source directly from Tempier? Just bought/received a case of '18's ('19 rose was delivered last summer) a few weeks ago. Feel free to PM if you want to try to arrange something with the Ontario importer.

[Phil T r o t t e r]

They do go through an importer (Oenopole) but to my knowledge, they sell them all via the SAQ for most years (they probably retain a few bottles for "friends & family" that they buy under their own name). It used to be that you only had to be willing to stay up on a Wednesday night at midnight and you could get what you want. But this year, they put them all through the lottery process. PM underway

[A Songeur]

Sadly, the basic rouge costs at least $50 these days.

Do you still have a 100% tariff across the pond?...

[Arv R]

Thanks Marshal and Taylor for some suggestions on Bandol-esque like offerings. I'm actually mildly familiar with those names but had not tasted recent examples or those bottlings. I'll have to fix that!

[Ramon C]

Thanks for the note, they are few and far in-between here for wines from the property.

Except for a couple of 2006 SVs and 2016 Classique that I lugged home from a visit at the winery pre-pandemic last year, the last I purchased (blindly and still cellared) were a few 2007 Classique at, I remember very well, $27 each. I still wished I bought a few more from the vintages that followed even as the prices were creeping up.
Patiently scrimping on a 1993 La Miguoa, waiting for a worthy occasion.

[Marshall Manning]

Patiently scrimping on a 1993 La Miguoa, waiting for a worthy occasion.

Now that is a true Tempier. It was a really good vintage there...wish I could share in that one !

[IlkkaL]

Ilkka, I opened the 2009 Tempier last year in December alongside a 2010 Pibarnon - the Tempier was absolutely gorgeous. The 2010 Pibarnon showed a bit overly bretty and was quite overshadowed by the generosity of the 2009 Tempier. I think the 2009 will be quite long-lived, with another 5 years of early maturity at least, and could likely gracefully go for another decade plus.

Hadn't noticed this until now, thanks for the data point! I can easily believe that the 2009 Tempier has a lot of life left - I generally think that 15 is a pretty safe age for most proper Bandol and many live a lot longer so 11-12 years should still be somewhat on the young side for Tempier. I have not a lot of experience with Pibarnon but just bought the 2016 and the 2018, I think I just might open the 2016 pretty soon in the name of science.

[Ramon C]

Patiently scrimping on a 1993 La Miguoa, waiting for a worthy occasion.

Now that is a true Tempier. It was a really good vintage there...wish I could share in that one !

if you happen to know that you'd be in/near my neck of the woods (NYC) and I still haven't uncorked my bottle, ping me and I'd gladly find a way to share.

[Pat Martin]

I am also a fan of how the 05 Tempier is drinking these days...

Given the price increases in Bandol, one estate which still seems to be a bargain is the Bastide Blanche. I've not had this wine yet, any thoughts on it?

[Taylor Broussard]

Ilkka, I opened the 2009 Tempier last year in December alongside a 2010 Pibarnon - the Tempier was absolutely gorgeous. The 2010 Pibarnon showed a bit overly bretty and was quite overshadowed by the generosity of the 2009 Tempier. I think the 2009 will be quite long-lived, with another 5 years of early maturity at least, and could likely gracefully go for another decade plus.

Hadn't noticed this until now, thanks for the data point! I can easily believe that the 2009 Tempier has a lot of life left - I generally think that 15 is a pretty safe age for most proper Bandol and many live a lot longer so 11-12 years should still be somewhat on the young side for Tempier. I have not a lot of experience with Pibarnon but just bought the 2016 and the 2018, I think I just might open the 2016 pretty soon in the name of science.

Please report back on the Pibarnon once you do so! With the pricing on Tempier, I know I've been looking to cellar a variety of producers. I opened a 2010 Le Galantin Bandol last Sunday that was really lovely, with all the typicite of Bandol. It didn't reach the highs of the Tempier, but for the $16 or so I paid, it was a staggering value.

[Taylor Broussard]

I am also a fan of how the 05 Tempier is drinking these days...

Given the price increases in Bandol, one estate which still seems to be a bargain is the Bastide Blanche. I've not had this wine yet, any thoughts on it?

I have yet to try it either, although I should seek some out. Asimov provided a list of different quality Bandol producers and by the looks of it, it's probably a great guideline. Bastide Blanche is on the list.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/dini ... andol.html

- Domaine Tempier
- Château Ste.-Anne
- Château Pradeaux
- Domaine de Terrebrune
- Domaine le Galantin
- Domaine de la Tour du Bon
- La Bastide Blanche
- Chateau Pibarnon
- Domaine du Gros Nore

[IlkkaL]

I am also a fan of how the 05 Tempier is drinking these days...

Given the price increases in Bandol, one estate which still seems to be a bargain is the Bastide Blanche. I've not had this wine yet, any thoughts on it?

I have yet to try it either, although I should seek some out. Asimov provided a list of different quality Bandol producers and by the looks of it, it's probably a great guideline. Bastide Blanche is on the list.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/dini ... andol.html

- Domaine Tempier
- Château Ste.-Anne
- Château Pradeaux
- Domaine de Terrebrune
- Domaine le Galantin
- Domaine de la Tour du Bon
- La Bastide Blanche
- Chateau Pibarnon
- Domaine du Gros Nore

That’s a very good list indeed. I like Terrebrune and Gros Nore a lot. Vannieres is the one missing I suppose along with Jean-Pierre Gaussen, both very ageworthy. One producer that has been recommended to me is Ray-Jane, I’ve bought a couple of bottles but have not tried yet. Seems super old school based on a few notes, i.e. tannic and acidic and long-lived.

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

I am also a fan of how the 05 Tempier is drinking these days...

Given the price increases in Bandol, one estate which still seems to be a bargain is the Bastide Blanche. I've not had this wine yet, any thoughts on it?

I have yet to try it either, although I should seek some out. Asimov provided a list of different quality Bandol producers and by the looks of it, it's probably a great guideline. Bastide Blanche is on the list.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/dini ... andol.html

- Domaine Tempier
- Château Ste.-Anne
- Château Pradeaux
- Domaine de Terrebrune
- Domaine le Galantin
- Domaine de la Tour du Bon
- La Bastide Blanche
- Chateau Pibarnon
- Domaine du Gros Nore

I enjoy Terrebrune, but it's been a while since I've seen it in my market.

[H Wallace Jr]

Patiently scrimping on a 1993 La Miguoa, waiting for a worthy occasion.

I haven't opened a '93 Miguoa, but have had '93 Cabassaou several times in the last 2 yrs (I feel Cabassaou usually needs a little more time) It is in a killer spot (shows some of the wildness of early 90's Tempier)

We had a '90 Miguoa 2wks ago and it was nearly perfect. (needed about 45-60min to open).

[Marshall Manning]

I enjoy Terrebrune, but it's been a while since I've seen it in my market.

Brian, it's a Kermit import, so you shouldn't have trouble finding it in most places.

[Phil T r o t t e r]

Any thoughts on Tardieu-Laurent? I've seen it come in around here almost every vintage for the last few years but for some reason I've never tried any.

[IlkkaL]

Any thoughts on Tardieu-Laurent? I've seen it come in around here almost every vintage for the last few years but for some reason I've never tried any.

No experience as I’ve understood that it is a négociant operation producing modern-styled wines. Would love to hear otherwise, though.

[Al Osterheld]

Any thoughts on Tardieu-Laurent? I've seen it come in around here almost every vintage for the last few years but for some reason I've never tried any.

No experience as I’ve understood that it is a négociant operation producing modern-styled wines. Would love to hear otherwise, though.

That's my impression from somewhat limited experience although never tried the Bandol.

-Al

[Taylor Broussard]

While we have this nice discussion on Bandol going... any thoughts on Domaine La Tour du Bon? I've yet to have it myself, and the fact that Kermit Lynch imports this certainly vouches for its potential quality... however at 55% Mourvedre and at or nearing 15% ABV in many vintages I'm not nearly as interested. This seems fairly atypical for Bandol, especially given the high levels of Grenache and Cinsault. In my mind Bandol shows best after 10+ years like Bordeaux so I couldn't possibly begin to judge for myself. Their Saint Ferreol bottling is compelling though at 90% Mourvedre / 10% Carignan.

[H Wallace Jr]

While we have this nice discussion on Bandol going... any thoughts on Domaine La Tour du Bon? I've yet to have it myself, and the fact that Kermit Lynch imports this certainly vouches for its potential quality... however at 55% Mourvedre and at or nearing 15% ABV in many vintages I'm not nearly as interested. This seems fairly atypical for Bandol, especially given the high levels of Grenache and Cinsault. In my mind Bandol shows best after 10+ years like Bordeaux so I couldn't possibly begin to judge for myself. Their Saint Ferreol bottling is compelling though at 90% Mourvedre / 10% Carignan.

I love Tour du Bon and have visited with Anges several times. Her 08 Saint Ferreol is my WOTY so far. We poured it blind amongst some stunning wines and it was the hands down fav.

Their style and terroir are a bit different. Tour Du Bon is up higher and a little warmer and I think the wines show well a little earlier (similar to the way Terrebrune feels a little more approachable early). I've had the 90 which may have been the first vintage they made the wines and it was great- but have not wines between 1990 and 2004.

As far as ABV, I think if you measured (vs what is on labels) most Bandol from the last 15 or so years is probably near 14.5% (or higher). It is hot, getting hotter, and they've had some years with small yields.

I tend to gravitate towards lower ABV with the exception of Bandol. I still think they produce some of the most compelling wines for the $.

[Al Osterheld]

Haven't had Tour du Bon but was also interested when I saw Kermit imported it. Agree on Terrebrune being more approachable early, one of my grocery stores carried the 2014 (until I slowly bought most of it).

-Al

[Ramon C]

While we have this nice discussion on Bandol going... any thoughts on Domaine La Tour du Bon? I've yet to have it myself, and the fact that Kermit Lynch imports this certainly vouches for its potential quality... however at 55% Mourvedre and at or nearing 15% ABV in many vintages I'm not nearly as interested. This seems fairly atypical for Bandol, especially given the high levels of Grenache and Cinsault. In my mind Bandol shows best after 10+ years like Bordeaux so I couldn't possibly begin to judge for myself. Their Saint Ferreol bottling is compelling though at 90% Mourvedre / 10% Carignan.

I love Tour du Bon and have visited with Anges several times. Her 08 Saint Ferreol is my WOTY so far. We poured it blind amongst some stunning wines and it was the hands down fav.

Their style and terroir are a bit different. Tour Du Bon is up higher and a little warmer and I think the wines show well a little earlier (similar to the way Terrebrune feels a little more approachable early). I've had the 90 which may have been the first vintage they made the wines and it was great- but have not wines between 1990 and 2004.

As far as ABV, I think if you measured (vs what is on labels) most Bandol from the last 15 or so years is probably near 14.5% (or higher). It is hot, getting hotter, and they've had some years with small yields.

I tend to gravitate towards lower ABV with the exception of Bandol. I still think they produce some of the most compelling wines for the $.

Ch. Sainte Anne Bandol rouge have stayed at 13% or lower, at least on the labels on the vintages I've had (2016 and very few older ones). In some vintages, they're at 100% Mourvèdre. Pure and clean expression of the grape. Including the impressive whites, their wines gives the impression of a cool-climate Bandol.

[H Wallace Jr]

Ch. Sainte Anne Bandol rouge have stayed at 13% or lower, at least on the labels on the vintages I've had (2016 and very few older ones). In some vintages, they're at 100% Mourvèdre. Pure and clean expression of the grape. Including the impressive whites, their wines gives the impression of a cool-climate Bandol.

In the US, I've really enjoyed their wines on the youngish side. Old ones I've had in France were great, but I bought a bunch of early & late 90's and early 00's a 5-6 years ago and they did not show well here. I'm assuming it was a transport / storage issue as most were the same vintages that I tried in France. (They are now with a different importer, so I would assume better)

It would be interesting to measure their ABV as there is no "cool-climate" per se in Bandol but they always come off more "fresh". To me, their wines feel like a more rustic / raw Terrebrune. I usually really dig the rosé as it is a little more refreshing than others.

[Taylor Broussard]

Ch. Sainte Anne Bandol rouge have stayed at 13% or lower, at least on the labels on the vintages I've had (2016 and very few older ones). In some vintages, they're at 100% Mourvèdre. Pure and clean expression of the grape. Including the impressive whites, their wines gives the impression of a cool-climate Bandol.

In the US, I've really enjoyed their wines on the youngish side. Old ones I've had in France were great, but I bought a bunch of early & late 90's and early 00's a 5-6 years ago and they did not show well here. I'm assuming it was a transport / storage issue as most were the same vintages that I tried in France. (They are now with a different importer, so I would assume better)

It would be interesting to measure their ABV as there is no "cool-climate" per se in Bandol but they always come off more "fresh". To me, their wines feel like a more rustic / raw Terrebrune. I usually really dig the rosé as it is a little more refreshing than others.

Brief question since you're in CA as well Hardy...where are you generally buying your Bandol? I'm assuming older vintages are from auction, but the one problem with being a fan of the region is that retailer seldom carry more than two or three producers at a time. Even large retailers like K&L have a very limited inventory beyond Rose.

[H Wallace Jr]

Brief question since you're in CA as well Hardy...where are you generally buying your Bandol? I'm assuming older vintages are from auction, but the one problem with being a fan of the region is that retailer seldom carry more than two or three producers at a time. Even large retailers like K&L have a very limited inventory beyond Rose.

All over. Current releases of stuff in the Kermit book I buy mostly from Kermit. If I need to restock or buy more than what is available via KLWM there are a number of retailers in S. CA that seem to get have decent allocations.

Most of my old stuff has been purchased over the last 10yrs on auction and some gems / restocks via Kogod (not inexpensive but always awesome provenance and service). For years ,vineyard designates / special cuvées / large formats would sell for way less than current release. No longer not the case (I think an unnamed WB'r out of the mid-atlantic and I helped ruin that streak)

Though I intend to drink and share them all, in the back of my mind I always hoped they magically "Clos Rougeard" and I'd be Bitcoin'n in Bandol.

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

Brief question since you're in CA as well Hardy...where are you generally buying your Bandol? I'm assuming older vintages are from auction, but the one problem with being a fan of the region is that retailer seldom carry more than two or three producers at a time. Even large retailers like K&L have a very limited inventory beyond Rose.

All over. Current releases of stuff in the Kermit book I buy mostly from Kermit. If I need to restock or buy more than what is available via KLWM there are a number of retailers in S. CA that seem to get have decent allocations.

Most of my old stuff has been purchased over the last 10yrs on auction and some gems / restocks via Kogod (not inexpensive but always awesome provenance and service). For years ,vineyard designates / special cuvées / large formats would sell for way less than current release. No longer not the case (I think an unnamed WB'r out of the mid-atlantic and I helped ruin that streak)

Though I intend to drink and share them all, in the back of my mind I always hoped they magically "Clos Rougeard" and I'd be Bitcoin'n in Bandol.

If Bandol ever were to get any kind of meaningful attention from rich collectors you *know* Tempier would be the first to go stratospheric. I mean, is there any other producer that could, arguably, be the first to take off like that? ... crap, did I just talk myself into spending more money on Tempier?