Rouge “Lulu et Lucien”, Domaine Tempier, Bandol, Provence, FR 2023

The 2023 Domaine Tempier Lulu et Lucien Rouge 2023 has been very well received by critics, with early reviews emphasizing its combination of youthful accessibility and the structure expected of classic Bandol.

Critical consensus

The reviewers broadly agree on several points:

• Classic Tempier style. The wine delivers the savory, herbal, mineral character that defines Bandol while maintaining excellent fruit purity.
• Youthful but approachable. Unlike some vintages that can be forbiddingly tannic in youth, the 2023 is considered more accessible early, though all critics expect significant improvement with bottle age.
• Excellent aging potential. Professional reviewers consistently recommend waiting several years if possible, with projected longevity extending into the 2040s.

Blend

The 2023 is approximately:

• 75% Mourvèdre
• 14% Grenache
• 9% Cinsault
• 2% Carignan (some sources also note a very small amount of Syrah depending on the bottling information).

Overall assessment

Based on current professional reviews, the 2023 vintage appears to be one of the stronger recent releases of Tempier's flagship Bandol Rouge:

• Average of major critics: about 93/100
• Quality: Outstanding
• Drink: 2027–2045 (or longer for well-stored bottles)
• Food pairings: Lamb, cassoulet, grilled beef, venison, duck, and Provençal dishes with herbs.

If you're building a cellar, this looks like a vintage worth buying by the case: one bottle to taste now after a few hours of decanting, with the remainder held for 8–15 years.