Tardieu-Laurent

A refreshing, succulent white Côtes-du-Rhône from this bijou family operation. Lime, apple, peach and orange zest, with a fine chalky texture.

Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Les Becs Fins Tardieu-Laurent 2020

This has a softness of fruit and a luminosity, with bitter chocolate, cacao and beautifully supple tannins. Part of this comes from a site called La Montagne, at 300 metres of elevation. Aged for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels, then for eight months in foudres.

“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.

Vacqueyras is the driest part of the southern Rhone. Half of this wine comes from sandy soils which, in combination with cool aspects, lend a welcome silkiness to the tannins. 70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah (both 40 years old). 50% whole bunch fermentedover 60 years old), This is a very elegant expression of Vacqueyras, virile and full of life, with none of the rusticity sometime found here. This always needs long elevage and bottle ageing.

Bandol Tardieu-Laurent 2019

Glass-staining ruby (almost black!) colour, this is always a big wine. The nose is something of a bruiser, but the palate is surprisingly deft, ingratiating and melded. This sits totally apart, exuding liquorice and herbal loveliness. Aged for 24 months in one and two year-old barrels.

Cornas Coteaux Tardieu-Laurent 2014

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.

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

Half whole-bunch vinified. Violets and desiccated raspberry fruit on the nose, with sous-bois and wild strawberry. The palate is admirably fine and detailed, with fresh acidity. The difference here is the intricate quality of the tannins, which add a rather aristocratic finesse to the long, focussed finish.

100% Viognier, from four plots in Condrieu: Paton, Chanson, La Côte and Vernon. The latter, a new addition last year, is famous for its high acidity and loess soils and represents half of the blend. 45 year-old vines. Apricot, peaches and yellow flower aromatics on the nose. The palate retains a wonderful core of fresh acidity, around which sits a cushion of ripe stone fruit. The body is viscous yet lithe & vibrant; a sense of volume with freshness. Aged for 10 months in new and one year-old barrels

Cote-Rotie 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.