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. Pradeaux is situated on the outskirts of the town of St. Cyr Sur Mer, which lies directly on the Mediterranean between Toulon and Marseilles. The estate is owned by the Portalis family, which has owned this property since before the French Revolution. The domaine is currently under the direction of Cyrille Portalis, who continues to maintain the great traditions of this estate. Although the majority of the vineyards are planted to Mourvèdre, the regular Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé is composed of Cinsault and Grenache as well as Mourvèdre. The Vespree is something different though, made from 100% Mourvedre. After a short maceration on the skins, the juice is fermented at low temperatures to retain freshness, the wine is racked and aged in a large oak cask and a concretet egg for six months. It is bottled later in the year and held in bottle for just a short while longer. This is a full-bodied rose with a complex bouquet and is one of the most gastronomique and ageworthy in its class.