1998 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Cuvee Longue Garde

Chateau Pradeaux Bandol was established in 1752 when Jean-Marie-Etienne Portalis, an author of France’s civil code under Napoleon, inherited the land from his grandmother. Despite the turmoil and destruction of the French Revolution and later wars including WW ll, the estate has stayed in the Portalis family. Cyrille Portalis now runs the estate, located on the outskirts of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer. The flagship wine is Chateau Pradeaux Bandol, which is 95% old vine Mourvedre. Other blends include up to 15% Cinsault, or blends off Carignan and Counoise along with Mourvedre. The estate also makes rose.

Provence is the region on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France known for sun-drenched Lavender fields and an easy-going, gracious attitude toward life. Until the last few decades it was also known for producing large quantities of unremarkable rosé, often sold in bulk. Today its most famous wines are still rosés, but their quality has improved dramatically. Notable red wines are also being made in Provence, particularly in Bandol, a tiny appellation east of Marseille. The largest appellation is Côtes de Provence. Other appellations include Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes du Luberon, Cassis, Bellet, Palette and Les Baux de Provence. Red and white wines are made throughout the region, despite the attention paid to rosé. Red wine grapes grown in Provence are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine grapes are Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc.