“The grapes had to be harvested early in 2022 to prevent them from withering in this dry vintage. The estate appears to have handled the situation perfectly, producing a generous Bandol without any excess. The nose is very inviting, revealing aromas of curry and ripe black fruits, complemented by toasty notes from the oak. The palate delights with its exemplary balance, its velvety texture, its refined, velvety tannins, its perfectly integrated oak, and its lingering finish of cherry pit and gingerbread. Best enjoyed with a festive dish, such as a Tournedos Rossini.” (Le Guide Hachette 2026)
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Eye
Deep, dark red color
Nose
Intense, with a hint of toastiness and notes of dark fruit
Palate
Long and crisp, with notes of spice and pepper
Serve
At 18°C
Open
1 hour in advance in a carafe
Drink before
2037
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with a stew, grilled lamb, grilled meats, chocolate desserts…
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2021 guide): 3 stars (High-quality production, setting the standard in its sector)
About the estate:
The affable 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 by heart. 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 predominantly clay-limestone soil, the estate’s diverse array of plots ensures a rich expression of Mourvèdre, Bandol’s flagship grape variety, with old vines accounting for 90% of the vineyard here.
Guide Hachette des vins
Wine noted (guide 2026) 2* Favorite (Remarkable wine)
Rated estate (2023 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the wine:
The grapes had to be harvested early in 2022 to prevent them from withering in this dry vintage. The estate appears to have handled the situation perfectly, producing a generous Bandol without any excess. The nose is very inviting, revealing aromas of curry and ripe black fruits, complemented by toasty notes from the oak. The palate delights with its exemplary balance, its velvety texture, its refined, velvety tannins, its perfectly integrated oak, and its lingering finish of cherry pit and gingerbread. Best enjoyed with a festive dish, such as a Tournedos Rossini.
About the estate:
It is in the hamlet of La Suffrène—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 taken 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 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 delivered their harvest to the cooperative winery. When Cédric Gravier returned to the family estate in 1996, he decided to make his own wines and bottle the expression of old Mourvèdre vines sourced 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 generous in both color and concentration. The richness and full-bodied texture of these early-ripening terroirs are evident in the dense reds, with their seductive tannins, reflecting the soft, clay-rich character of the soil. A classic that appeals to all, yet has not lost its Mediterranean soul.
Customer rating
4/5
based on 1 review
Review by Mr. ROBERT P. Posted on January 13, 2026
See all reviews from this customer
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