Château Pradeaux - Le Lys 2010

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

Well-structured Bandol, slightly closed, good tension, freshness, balanced, refined.

About the estate:

This estate, one of the leading names in the appellation, has belonged to the family of Cyrille Portalis, who served as a minister under Napoleon I, since 1752. The property now produces two red wines, one bearing the château's name and the other called Le Lys, as well as a rosé. Mourvèdre is very dominant here, accounting for nearly 90% of the red grape varieties. It is less predominant in the rosé, where it is complemented by Cinsault. The new generation is gradually changing the style of the wines, as can be seen in the Le Lys cuvée, which was very successful in 2010.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About wine:

The nose of the estate's second wine is very smooth, expressing blackcurrant with a hint of leather. This smoothness is somewhat misleading, because after the spicy black fruit coats the palate with the same effect, a tannic chewiness gives it quite a biting character on the finish.

About the estate:

The château, owned by the Portalis family since 1752, is currently managed by Cyrille, who continues the house style. The next generation is already stepping up, with Edouard, who already works with his father, and Etienne. The advanced age of the vines (over 35 years old on average) and low yields produce wines that, although they need time, are often worthy of the greatest. Unappreciated and harsh in their youth—the harvest is not destemmed—they are often splendid and of great pedigree after 15 or 20 years of aging. A second wine, Le Lys, is now offered by the estate.

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

About wine:

The elegant second wine, Le Lys, is structured with noticeable tannins and aromas that evolve into notes of morello cherry.

About the estate:

Château Pradeaux remains a monument of the appellation. The Portalis family has owned the estate since 1752 and its descendant, Cyrille Portalis, is now in charge, supported by his son Étienne. Together, they uphold a very traditional vision of Bandol wines. Discerning wine lovers undoubtedly have extraordinary memories of the character and aging potential of these wines. Although they are difficult to define in their youth, their potential is latent. If we take the risk of comparing them to the new generation of Bandols, such as the current wines produced by the Tempier or La Bégude estates, Pradeaux wines may be outshone by more modern, colorful, oaky, and flattering vintages that are easier to drink in their youth. However, far from any flattering excesses, Pradeaux remains as it has always been: a very classic red, seeking to develop over time, reinforcing its power and uniqueness through very long aging (up to 48 months) in old casks aged between 40 and 80 years! This also explains their unique profile. Continue to add to your cellar, and they will continue to surprise you.

RVF - Guide des Meilleurs Vins à moins de 20 euros € - Gerbelle & Maurange

About wine:

Mourvèdre dominates Cinsault in this beautiful red wine, which is floral, light, and superbly fresh and aromatic. This is the result of using whole bunches in the vinification process, which gives the wine its brightness, finesse, and a tension that makes it long on the palate.