Domaine Tempier 2021 La Migoua Bandol Rouge

A profound, age-worthy Bandol red that channels power, place, and restraint in equal measure. The 2021 La Migoua is structured and savory, built on Mourvèdre’s backbone yet lifted by freshness and aromatic complexity. It is unmistakably Domaine Tempier: serious, soulful, and destined to reward patience.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by the iconic Domaine Tempier in Bandol, Provence, La Migoua comes from a single, high-elevation vineyard site known for its clay-limestone soils and slightly cooler exposition. This terroir yields wines of tension, minerality, and longevity.

The 2021 blend is centered on Mourvèdre (roughly half the blend), supported by Grenache, Cinsault, and a small amount of Syrah, a classic Tempier composition that balances structure with aromatic lift. The estate farms organically, harvests by hand, and ferments with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place over approximately 18–20 months in large oak foudres, allowing slow oxygen exchange without imprinting overt oak flavors. The result is a wine that emphasizes purity, site expression, and textural depth rather than polish.

Critics Reviews

The 2021 La Migoua has been met with strong critical acclaim and is widely regarded as one of the standout Bandol wines of the vintage:

• Bettane & Desseauve awarded it 96 points, highlighting its depth, mineral intensity, and layered structure, noting its clear need for time to fully reveal its complexity.

• La Revue du Vin de France scored it 95 points, describing the wine as compact and restrained in youth, yet clearly endowed with significant aging potential and inner richness.

• Other professional tasters consistently place it in the 94–96 point range, emphasizing its Mourvèdre-driven power, savory complexity, and long, structured finish.

Across critics, the consensus is that the 2021 La Migoua is a serious cellar wine — less immediately opulent than some warmer-year releases, but exceptionally pure, balanced, and long-lived.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Deep aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum skin are layered with Provençal garrigue, dried thyme, black olive, and subtle licorice. Earthy minerality and hints of forest floor add depth and intrigue.

Palate:
Full-bodied and structured, with concentrated dark fruit, savory herbs, and a pronounced mineral core. Mourvèdre’s firm, fine-grained tannins provide grip, while Grenache and Cinsault contribute lift, spice, and aromatic nuance.

Finish:
Long, dry, and persistent, marked by lingering savory spice, stony minerality, and dark fruit echoes. The finish underscores showing its clear promise for long-term aging.

Quick Overview