Tardieu-Laurent

Zesty aromas of lemongrass, lime rind and sherbet. The palate’s bold white peach fruit is refreshed by steely acidity, coming to a crunchy, saline finish on which honeysuckle perfume lingers. Full of character and at 13.5% abv, suitable for both quaffing and food pairing.

Zesty aromas of lemongrass, lime rind and sherbet. The palate’s bold white peach fruit is refreshed by steely acidity, coming to a crunchy, saline finish on which honeysuckle perfume lingers. Full of character and at 13.5% abv, suitable for both quaffing and food pairing.

“The Bordeaux of the South”, as it is known in the Rhône. This comes from limestone-clay soils. 95% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache, both of which are over 50 years old. This is always the last wine tasted in the Tardieu-Laurent line-up – and there is a reason for that… Glass-staining ruby (almost black) colour, this promises to be a big wine – and it does not disappoint. Blackcurrant and cream on the fore-palate. However, despite the massive tannins, the impressive weight, there is an over-arching lift and lightness of touch. Give this ample time, but it has the requisite balance. Aged for 24 months in one and two year-old barrels.

Bandol Tardieu-Laurent 2019

Brilliantly bright red cherry fruit on the nose, espresso, menthol, fresh mint, garrigue, citrus peel and orange blossom. On the palate, very supple, ripe tannin, with blueberry and wild blackcurrant fruit. Aged for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels and then 12 months in old oak foudres.

Cornas Coteaux Tardieu-Laurent 2014

Meaty and forceful, this is uncompromising, but with an elegance that makes it all work. Animalistic, with a brightness of dark sous bois fruit that acts as a delightful counterpoint. A hint of tobacco leaf and pepperiness. The tannins are hewn from the Cornas terroir… and all the better for it.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tardieu-Laurent 2017

It captures wonderfully the refined majesty of Chateauneuf, that sense of textural nuance alongside forthright muscle. Pure raspberry fruit with a garrigue herbal edge. Aged for 12 months in one year-old barrels, then for 12 months in foudres.

Hermitage Blanc Tardieu-Laurent 2017

Intense jet-plum in colour, this offers a blend of crème de mûre, summer berries and dark chocolate on the nose, both ripe and savoury. The darker elements on the nose give way to extraordinary fruit purity and freshness on the palate, combined with a mineral intensity, all set within a luscious, rich frame. Effortlessly balanced, this is a layered and complex wine, with great precision through to a protracted finish - impressive.

Very deep plum, this is positively effusive in style, heady and indulgent with a blend of primary berries, cherries, cassis and pepper with back-notes of grilled fennel and stone fruits.

This comes from five plots: La Boussière, Les Garrigues, Les Dentelles, Les Teysonnières and Gour de Chaulé. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, all of which are from 80 to over 100 years old. Two thirds whole bunch fermentated, before ageing for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels and then 12 months in old oak foudres. This is accessible and overtly charming on the nose, violets and rose petals goading you to take a sip. The medium-bodied palate is tightly coiled at present, with rigorous tannins pointing to a wine with several years of ageing potential ahead. Lovely adroit freshness will safeguard that…

This is from From four sites: La Madonne sur Chavanay, Coteaux Vitrine sur Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf, Sainte-Epine sur St-Jean de Muzols and les Oliviers sur Mauves. Serine was the original clone of Syrah. 100% Syrah and Serine, the former vines being over 60 years old, the latter 100-120 years old. One third whole bunch fermentationAged for 12 months in new and one year-old barrels, before spending eight months in foudres. Violets galore on the nose, dried herbs and black pepper spice. An aromatic assault, which carries through to the palate. Medium bodied but brimming with life, the perfume ballooning from the liquid. The tannins are supple, totally unobtrusive.

Peppery and delicately uplifting on the nose, morphing into a fresh, spicy, moreishly juicy palate, with fine tannins and a hint of leather, the violet perfume coming back in on the finish. Following fermentation, it is aged for 12 months in new and one year-old barrels, then spends six months in foudres.