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.

Violets and red cherry, with a gentle sweet-fruited demerera pliancy. It is aged for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels, then for six months in old oak foudres.

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.

This is a more food-worthy iteration of white Cotes-du-Rhone, substantial and brightly stone-fruited, with a pleasing grip to it. 100% barrel fermented, it is then aged for eight months in new, one - and two-year old barrels.

“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.

Cornas Coteaux Tardieu-Laurent 2014

Concentrated, ripe and supple - very impressive.

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.

 A half whole bunch fermentation. Classic Saint-Joseph nose of pepper and violets. On the palate, this is pure, delicate, and ephemeral. The purple fruit of the palate is insinuatingly fine, with supple tannins. Aged for a year in barrel, then eight months in foudres.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tardieu-Laurent 2017

Spicy and with a note of fine pastry on the nose. The palate opens expansively, exhibiting a winning combination of white peach fruit and fine grip. There is a beautiful saline precision to the finish. It is fermented in barrel with eight months' lees contact, half of the Roussanne being aged in new oak barrels.

This comes from various sites around Châteauneuf, including Font de Michelle. 40% Grenache, 30% Roussanne, This comes from various sites around Châteauneuf, including Font de Michelle. 40% Grenache, 30% Roussanne, 20% Clairette and 10% Bourboulenc, the latter two varieties bringing freshness and moderating the overall alcohol content. This is such a chiselled, energic wine, brilliantly focused and linear. White flowers and nervy minerality, driving through to a long, taut finish. Really exciting stuff. It is fermented in barrel with eight months lees contact, half of the Roussanne being aged in new oak barrels.

Cote-Rotie Tardieu-Laurent 2017

An extraordinarily aromatic blend from vines between 80 and over 100 years.