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Wines of Provence
Bandol
Suffrène
Domaine La Suffrène - Bandol Les Lauves 2018
Domaine La Suffrène - Bandol Les Lauves 2018

Domaine La Suffrène - Bandol Les Lauves 2018

Bandol|Red wine
Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5
4.5/5 (2 customers)

2*Coup de Coeur

Hachette

powerful
complex
Mediterranean

“‘The balance between power and delicacy is perfect.’ (Le Guide Hachette)”

“After a magnificent series of rosé ‘ Favorites ,’ La Suffrène returns to the appellation’s fundamentals with this superlative red. And superlatives were certainly not in short supply during the tasting: ‘precise,’ ‘modern,’ ‘impressive’... Behind an intense ruby color lies a delicious bouquet of ripe black and red fruits (wild strawberries, morello cherries, blackberries), toasted hazelnuts, and leather, set against a slightly spicy backdrop. Supple on the attack, then full-bodied and silky, structured by fine tannins, the palate unfolds with a creamy texture brimming with ripe fruit that blends perfectly with the oak. Striking the perfect balance between power and delicacy.” (Le Guide Hachette 2022)

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-20€

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Estate

Domaine La Suffrène

Vintage

Les Lauves

Vintage

2018

Designation

Bandol

Region

Provence

Grape Varieties

90% Mourvèdre, 10% Vieux Carignan

Regions

Soil resting on a geological bedrock dating from the Coniacian–Santonian period: 86 to 89 billion years old, fairly deep and stony, with the presence of clays and calcareous sandstones from the Baguier formation

Viticulture

In the process of converting to organic farming

Grape Harvest

Hand-harvested, sorted on the vine and in the cellar

Wine Production

Destemming and crushing, light cold pre-maceration for 48 hours at 12–14°C, 3 to 4 weeks of fermentation in concrete or stainless steel tanks, two pump-overs per day, devatting and pressing of the pomace, separation of the free-run juice and press juice, racking one week later to remove the heavy lees, and transfer to casks

Livestock Farming

12 months with 2 or 3 rackings and pre-blending, malolactic fermentation on fine lees in relatively new round casks (less than 10–15 years old) with a capacity of approximately 50 hl, followed by a 6-month finishing period in older round casks (over 30 years old)

Alcohol content

14,5%

Eye

Deep color with purple highlights

Nose

Delicate, rich, and complex, with notes of spices, Mediterranean scrub, and a hint of mint

Palate

Powerful with plenty of character, a dense tannic structure, firm, ripe tannins, and a fresh, long finish

Serve

At 18°C

Open

1 hour beforehand in a carafe

Drink before

2030+

Food and Wine Pairings

Food and Wine Pairings

Enjoy it with grilled meats (Provençal-style lamb, beef) or in sauces (stew, civet), truffle-based dishes…

More information at Domaine La Suffrène

More information at Bandol

Bettane & Desseauve

Bettane & Desseauve

Rated estate (2021 guide): 3*Stars (High-quality production that serves as a benchmark in its sector)

About the estate:

The friendly Cédric Gravier has been managing this family-owned estate since 1996 with great open-mindedness and an innate sense of hospitality. With him came a major change: the grapes, which had previously been delivered to the cooperative, would now be vinified on the estate. This revival was made possible in large part thanks to his grandfather, who knew every vine like the back of his hand. Today, the estate spans nearly 60 hectares, and Cédric began the transition to organic farming in 2017. Located in the western part of the appellation, on soil that is predominantly clay-limestone, the estate’s diverse array of plots ensures a rich variety of expressions from Mourvèdre, Bandol’s flagship grape variety, with old vines accounting for 90% of the vineyard here.
Hachette Wine Guide

Guide Hachette des vins

Wine noted (guide 2022) 2* Favorite (Remarkable wine)

Rated Estate (2023 Guide) Award-Winning Wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from the guide)

About the wine:

After a magnificent series of standout rosés, Suffrène returns to the appellation’s fundamentals with this superb red. And there was no shortage of superlatives during the tasting: “precise,” “modern,” “impressive”... Behind an intense ruby color lies a delicious bouquet of ripe black and red fruits (wild strawberries, morello cherries, blackberries), toasted hazelnuts, and leather, set against a slightly spicy backdrop. Supple on the attack, then full-bodied and silky, structured by fine tannins, the palate unfolds with a creamy texture brimming with ripe fruit that blends perfectly with the oak. Striking a balance between power and delicacy, the wine is perfectly balanced.

About the estate:

It is in the hamlet of La Suffrène—which is said to have once been the home of a mistress of the Bailiff of Suffren—that part of the vineyards of this must-visit estate in the Bandol appellation are located. A 60-hectare family-owned vineyard, divided into about a hundred plots, whose grapes were delivered to the cooperative until the arrival of Cédric Gravier, who took over from his grandparents in 1996. Currently in the process of converting to organic farming.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide to the Best Wines of France

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

Rated Estate (2023 Guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)

About the estate:

For many years, the Gravier-Piche family brought the fruits of their labor to the cooperative winery. When Cédric Gravier returned to the family estate in 1996, he decided to make his own wines and bottle the unique character of old Mourvèdre vines, primarily from La Cadière d’Azur. Over the years, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to vinify the entire 58 hectares. Characterized more by strawberry flavors than citrus, the rosés are rich in both color and concentration. The richness and full-bodied texture of these early-ripening terroirs are evident in the dense reds, with their alluring tannins, reflecting the soft, clay-rich character of the soil. A universally appealing classic that has not, however, sacrificed its Mediterranean soul.

Customer Rating

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5

Review by Mr. FABIEN L. Published on February 17, 2024

An impressive, highly aromatic nose, followed by an excess of pepper, then an extremely long and delicate finish. Potentially too young to drink (in 2024).

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Wine rated 5/5Wine rated 5/5Wine rated 5/5Wine rated 5/5Wine rated 5/5

Review by Mr. RENAUD D. Published on 12/27/2024

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