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. If Rasteau is flirtatious, Vacqueyras is more earthy and leathered – the Marlboro man, if you will. Whilst Vacqueyras can have a certain rusticity, half of this comes from sandy soils which, in combination with cool aspects, lend a silkiness to the tannins. 70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah (both 40 years old). 50% whole-bunch fermented. Violets and undergrowthy forest fruits on the nose. A firm sense of earth and a sweet leathered spice. The palate is more insinuating on the entry than the Rasteau, but tannic grip quickly accumulates in the mouth. This always needs long élevage and bottle ageing.