Château Pradeaux 2013

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

One of the appellation's leading figures, this estate has belonged to the family of Cyrille Portalis since 1752, including a minister under Napoleon I. The estate now produces two red cuvées, one in the château's name and the cuvée le-lys, as well as one rosé. Mourvèdre is the dominant grape variety here, accounting for almost 90% of the reds. It is less predominant in the rosé, where it is complemented by Cinsault. The new generation is changing the style of the wines in small steps, as can be seen in the highly successful 2010 cuvée le-lys.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the wine:

Yet its color is pale and the nose discreet, expressing a panoply of fruits from peach to red berries and citrus, not forgetting the essential note of garrigue. It remains in the house style with pronounced tannins, and its fine bitters will make it an excellent gastronomic partner at the table.

About the domain :

The château, owned by the Portalis family since 1752, is currently run by Cyrille, who continues to perpetuate the house style. Edouard, who already works with his father, and Etienne are taking over from him. The high age of the vines (over 35 years, on average) and the low yields produce wines which, although they need time, are often worthy of the greatest. Ungrateful and hard in their youth - the harvest is not destemmed - they are often splendid and of great breed after 15 or 20 years of ageing. A second wine, Le Lys, is now available from the domaine.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

A little tightened by bottling, the 2013 rosé offers notes of pretty red fruit in a thirst-quenching, fine spirit.

About the domain :

Château Pradeaux remains a monument of the appellation. The Portalis family has owned the estate since 1752, and its descendant, Cyrille Portalis, is now at the helm, assisted by his son Étienne. Between them, they defend a very traditional vision of bandols. Discerning connoisseurs no doubt have extraordinary memories of the breed and ageing potential of these wines. Even if they are difficult to define in their youth, their potential is latent. If we take the risk of comparing them to the bandols of the new generation, such as the current wines produced by the Tempier or La Bégude estates, the wines of Pradeaux may be outdistanced by cuvées with a more modern, colorful, woody and flattering style, which can be enjoyed with greater ease in their youth. Yet, far from any flattering drift, Pradeaux remains as it has always been: a very classic red, seeking to blossom over time, reinforcing its power and singularity through very long ageing (up to forty-eight months) in old tuns aged between 40 and 80 years! This also explains their unique profile. Keep cellaring them, and they'll surprise you again.