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.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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