Chateau Pradeaux
Bandol Rouge
Rosenthal Wine Merchant

There is the appellation of Bandol with its plethora of producers, some good, some mediocre; and then there is Château Pradeaux, the unique, inimitable, standard-bearer for this ancient wine-growing district. The Château Pradeaux is situated on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer that lies directly on the Mediterranean Ocean between Toulon and Marseilles.

Château Pradeaux Bandol is composed of no less than 95% Mourvèdre (old vines). The nose is a mix of honey and white flowers with a hint of animal fur; the color is ruby red; the fruit stains the palate and is lengthened by a near-perfect sense of roundness; the final attack is of ripe tannins that are dusty and sweet. Château Pradeaux "Cuvée Longue Garde" is born exclusively of the oldest Mourvèdre vines on the estate (average age 45 years). Extraordinarily dense, with black notes to the color, the "Longue Garde" is marked by a strong scent of Provençal herbs combined with smoked red meat. This is a complete wine with incredible length; the flavors remind one of macerated plums and black currants. The super-ripe tannins are powerful and in perfect balance with the high fruit extract. This is the wine for the ages.

The Bandol from Pradeaux is a creature whose soul emerges from Mourvèdre. The classic cuvée is 95% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache, with the Grenache adding spice to the bouquet and leavening some of the drama provided by the intimidating structure of the Mourvèdre. One of the hallmarks of Pradeaux is that the grapes are never destemmed. The result is a wine of ferocious tannin in its youth, another reason for the prolonged aging in these large wooden barrels, a time for the wine to repose and find its identity as it emerges from the cocoon of tannins to reveal an exceptionally complex crowd of aromas and flavors.  Although situated mere steps from the Mediterranean, harvest at Pradeaux (always manual) frequently starts in earnest for the Mourvedre during the first weeks of October.  The average age of the vines is approximately 35 years and harvest levels are quite low, often in the range of 25 hectoliters per hectare.  Fermentation occurs at temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius and the wines are racked into large oak ovals and foudres where they rest with occasional rackings for four years before being bottled.  Neither new oak nor small barrels are ever used at Pradeaux and the red wines are never fined nor filtered.  Depending on the vintage, we import between 300 and 500 cases per annum for the US market.

Mixed 12 packs with 12 oz bottles... .750 L or 22oz. 6 & 12 packs of bombers....$10 Handling Fee

We ship nationwide however, if you live anywhere in Western Colorado, Wyoming, Eastern Utah, Farmington, NM call us about our special rates for overnight and second day regional deliveries up to 50 lbs. with rates ranging $13-$25.  In most cases you can gang up items from both stores ... eat well and drink better with the crew at Crossroads! 970-257-1557