Domaine Tempier 1985 - Bandol Rouge - Cuvée DJVO

Domaine Tempier - Bandol Rouge "Cuvée DJVO" 1985 - "Demain Je Vois Orange"

1. Presentation of the Tempier Estate

Domaine Tempier, located in Bandol, Provence, is a historic and iconic estate in the region. Run by the Peyraud family, the estate is internationally renowned for its pioneering work and major contribution to the recognition of the Bandol appellation. Its wines, crafted with deep respect for the terroir and traditional methods, are benchmarks for age-worthy wines from the South of France.

2. Presentation of the Bandol Appellation

The Bandol AOC, nestled on the Var coast, is a Provençal appellation dedicated to wines meant for aging. Its flagship grape variety is Mourvèdre, which must represent at least 50% of the blend (often much more at Domaine Tempier). Planted on terraces and clay-limestone soils, under intense sunshine, Mourvèdre expresses itself with power, producing structured and spicy red wines with great longevity.

3. The 1985 Vintage in Bandol

The 1985 vintage was a good one for the Bandol region. A rather dry summer allowed for good concentration in the grapes and satisfactory ripeness of the Mourvèdre. The wines produced in Bandol in 1985 showed good tannic structure and balanced acidity, giving them definite aging potential. This 1985 Bandol Rouge from Domaine Tempier is an example of the vintage's success.

4. Details on the "DJVO" Cuvée: Grape Variety, Winemaking, Tasting

Domaine Tempier's "Cuvée DJVO," meaning "Tomorrow I See Orange," is a historic and extremely rare cuvée designed to be enjoyed earlier than the estate's other Bandol wines, without requiring the same extended aging. This 1985 Bandol Rouge is primarily made from Mourvèdre, complemented by Grenache and Cinsault. Vinification follows traditional methods, with maceration and aging in large oak casks.

After nearly forty years, this DJVO Cuvée has moved beyond its "quick" tasting phase and now offers a mature and complex expression:

• Color: A tile-red color, with orange and brick highlights, indicating its maturity.
• Nose: Complex, marked by aromas of undergrowth, leather, blond tobacco, sweet spices (pepper, cinnamon) and candied black fruits. Animal and garrigue notes may also be present.
• Palate: The tannic structure of the Mourvèdre is smooth and silky. The wine is full-bodied, with a lovely aromatic persistence of dried fruit, spice, and leather. The acidity is ever-present, bringing freshness and balance to the whole. The finish is long and flavorful.

5. Bottle Condition

This bottle of Bandol Rouge "Cuvée DJVO" 1985 from Domaine Tempier is in excellent condition for its age:

• Level: Perfect (in the bottleneck).
• Label: Slightly stained and worn, which is common for a wine of nearly 40 years and attests to its authenticity. It remains perfectly legible.
• Capsule: Intact.
• Overall condition: Excellent general condition, guaranteeing optimal tasting.

6. Food & Wine Pairings and Tasting Tips

Decant this wine for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a temperature of 16-17°C to allow it to fully express its complexity. It pairs perfectly with:

• Braised or sauced red meats (Provençal daube, seven-hour lamb).
• Game animals, furred or feathered (roe deer, wild boar, hare).
• Characterful cheeses, especially hard and mature cheeses (old Comté, Tome de Provence).