Tardieu-Laurent is essentially a super-selective négociant-éleveur, family owned and run. Michel Tardieu is at the helm working alongside with his oenologist son Bastien with his wife Michelle and daughter Camille on administration. The concept of the company centres around Michel’s and increasingly Bastien’s Tardieu's abilities in sourcing small parcels of designated wines from quality fruit, then taking care of their élevage in the Tardieu’s cellar in Lourmarin. Michel has worked tirelessly to build relationships with small growers, over many years, encouraging best practice and sourcing, in the main, low production, old vine fruit. It is Michel’s and Bastien’s meticulous attention to detail, which makes these wines so special. This comes from Landonne, Côte de Rozier and Rochains. 100% Syrah-Serine, over 40 years old. One third-whole bunch vinified. Wonderfully lifted and aromatic on the nose, spicy and peppery but with a perfume and a delicacy which is so refined, so polite, especially when tasted after the wilder Cornas. Everything in proportion. On the palate, it is red-fruited and delicate on the entry, with perfume-coated tannins and a brightness and roundness of fruit which suggests this will be approachable young. Aged for 12 months in new and one year-old barrels, before 10 months in foudres.