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. From Le Méal, Pierrelles and Les Diognères. 100% Syrah and Serine, 60 years old. 100% destemmed. Dark berries and sweet spice on the nose, a touch of new oak still discernible. The palate is sweetly fruited and quite polished, with firm, ripe tannins, which leave a sense of broad grip on the finish. Blackcurrant, blueberry pudding, a rich line of redcurrant and raspberry compote, with a creaminess of texture. Aged for 12 months in new and one year-old barrels, then 12 months in foudres. I think this could be excellent, but it needs a little longer to gel.