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. Coming from various southern Rhône villages, including Rasteau, Vacqueras and Beaumes de Venise, this is 60% Grenache (50 years old), 25% Syrah (40 years old) and 15% Mourvèdre (30-40 years old), farmed organically. One third whole-bunches. A spicy nose, testifying to that quarter of Syrah, with undergrowth and fruits of the forest, bitter cherry and dark chocolate. The palate is chiselled and is presently defined by its firm tannins. This has serious structure, with admirable ageing potential. It is aged for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels, then for six months in foudres.