Tardieu represents the ultimate in minimal intervention, the fruit is all processed by growers who manage the handling of Grenache from the vineyard. To produce the noblest cuvée from the oldest vines, intimate knowledge of terroir and a sincere, long term, relationship must be established with good growers. Tardieu Laurent is fashioned from sixty years old Grenache vines at Coudoulet within the appellation of Chateauneuf du Pape.

$3299each $393DOZEN EACH DOZEN Harvests of fruit are assembled from a coterie of splendid Grenache vineyards, once fermentations are complete, the wine is transferred to a selection of oak barriques. In February, after batches have received required official approvals, the barrels are moved to the Tardieu-Laurent Cellars in Lourmarin. The élevage process can last from eighteen months to a year, depending on vintage. Tardieu Laurent is vinified from Grenache picked off vines planted to pebble stone red soils. Parcels are whole bunch fermented and matured in a selection of one and two year old Alliers & Troncais oak barriques, bottled without any fining or filtration.

Velvet scarlet colour. Violets, liquorice and spiced cherry on the bouquet, the aromatic profiles are complex, powerful, without a hint of over ripeness. The palate shows a subtle balance between fruit, crispness and finesse of graceful but firm tannins, the most striking feature is purity of perfect fruit. An integrated finish of bouquet garni and drying cherry spice.