We have been proud to represent the négociant house Tardieu-Laurent for a number of years, following a very kind introduction by Anne-Claude Leflaive. The firm was established in 1994, as the brainchild of Michel Tardieu and the well-known Burgundian producer, Dominique Laurent. From the outset their wines made waves internationally and we are delighted to have secured a very privileged allocation.
The Vineyards
Michel is dedicated to finding and building long-term relationships with top quality, low-yielding producers whose vineyards house old, long established vines. The resulting wines should be the most complete expression of the great terroirs of the Rhône Valley.
The Winemaking
Michel plays down his own role in the cellar, insisting that he intervenes as little as possible - minimal racking and no fining whenever possible - the better to express the true character of the wine. The wines are generally aged on their lees in Allier or Vosges oak for on average 15 months, with a percentage remaining in vat. The wines are bottled unfiltered.
The Wines
The wines are truly exceptional, offering richness, power, elegance, depth and, above all, a remarkable loyalty to their respective appellations and terroir.
The Holdings
Côtes du Rhône Blanc Guy Louis
Grape varieties: Marsanne and Roussanne
Age of vines: 50 years old
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 50% Grenache Blanc, 50% Roussanne
Age of vines: Grenache over 50 years old, Roussanne 10 to 20 years old
Hermitage Blanc
Grape varieties: Marsanne, Roussanne
Age of vines: over 50 years old
Condrieu
Grape varieties: 100% Viognier
Age of vines: over 40 years
Côtes du Rhône Rouge Guy Louis
Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Age of vines: Grenache 80 years, Syrah 50 years, Mourvèdre 30 years
Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah/ Mourvèdre
Age of vines: Grenache 70 years old plus
Rasteau Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Age of vines: Grenache 80 years plus
Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Age of vines: 60 years plus
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grape varieties: 80% Grenache, plus Syrah & Mourvèdre
Age of vines: 50 years old
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Spéciale
Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Vacarèse
Age of vines: 60 to 100 years old
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Vacarèse
Age of vines: 60 to 100 years old
Crozes Hermitage Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
Age of vines: 60 years plus
Saint Joseph Les Roches Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
Age of vines: 40 to 60 years
Cornas Côteaux
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
Age of vines: 40 to 60 years
Cornas, Vieilles Vignes
Grape varieties: 100% Petite Syrah
Age of vines: 80 to 100 years
Côte Rôtie
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah and Petite Syrah
Age of vines: 50 Years Plus
Hermitage
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah and Petite Syrah
Age of vines: 50 years old
