In the southern regions of France, we can guarantee a few certainties almost every-day. The weekly activities and day-to-day tribulations of the local football team Olympique Marseille go hand in hand with a Ricard, and Gitanes cigarettes. Another stalwart from this region of the Midi, is Domaine Tempier. Situated in the hills above Toulon, twenty kilometers due east of Marseille, this is where the now famous impressionists lived and worked, Lautrec, van Gogh, and Monet, where lavender and olives trees grow wild, and a beautiful softness to the air. It can be hot in the summer, which is perfect for the cultivation of Mourvedre. This varietal produces medium to big bodied wines that are capable of ageing for many a year. This innate ability owes itself to Mourvedre’s ability to resist oxidation. Abundant sunshine, intertwined with clay limestone soils, and a cool breeze that blows from the Mediterranean promote the growth of sugars in the fruit. Off the 2009 Tempier Migoua I wrote, ‘there are few wines that deserve a ten out of ten score, but this one does. A wine worth keeping that improves with age. Possibly enjoying a twenty to thirty year drinking window.’

At the risk of repeating myself, 2009 and 2010 were exceptional years in France in that we were blessed with two marvelous vintages one after the other. In Bordeaux during the last 50 years, we enjoyed 1961, 1982, and 2009. Each of these vintages can be regarded as miraculously great years. That 2009 would be followed by 2010 is unheard of in terms of quality, one vintage out-shining the next. The improbability also applies to Domaine Tempier. Two consecutive knockout years, the quality is outstanding. This particular vineyard, one of three or four different parcels at the estate measures roughly 40 acres and consists of 75% Mourvedre, 14% Grenache, 9% Cincault and 2% carignan. These are also some of the main varietals used in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The vines on the property are approximately 40 years in age providing grace and character to the must. Personally when tasting a great wine, I look for luscious flavors in the mouth and above all structure. This wine has strength in the mouth, loads of character. The asset class is the liquid in your mouth. I am simply comparing these liquids to other liquids, the body of the wine, and how it measures up. I am quantifying the oily nature and viscosity of the wine. Grading it, asking questions of it. This one is second to none, rich, and generous. What do I mean by that? It covers the whole mouth without edges and flows like an almost picture perfect tunnel wave that only the best surfer would dare ride. The flavors of dark red and black fruit mingled with a peppery spice exuding from the glass, once tasted never forgotten. This is a wine that needs some cellar time, if opened now please give it up to 2 hours decanting before hand.