Tardieu Laurent - Cornas

Tardieu Laurent is one of the most acclaimed artisan-négociants throughout the Rhône Valley, and shares a lot of similarities with Mounir Saouma from Burgundy Lucien Le Moine. The Tardieu Family has secured long-term, hand-shake deals with vignerons who carefully guard the prime location of their 50- to 100-plus-year-old vines. They follow very closely all the stages from organic viticulture to winemaking. They also hand-pick the barrels they deliver to the growers for the first 8 to 12 months and then move them back to the Tardieu’s cellar in Lourmarin to polish the ageing up to 18-24 months.

The steep East Southeast-facing slopes form a natural amphitheater, protecting the vines from cold winds. Syrah is the appellation’s only authorized grape variety, expressing its full strength and power in this terroir. Organic - 100% syrah. Aged 24 months in new and one old barrels from Allier, Tronçais, Jupille. No fining, no filtration.

This throws off a robust and zesty mix of loganberry, açaí and red and black cherry compote flavors, mixed with mouthwatering olive, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. Features nice charcoal streaks that add to the finish. Solidly built. Best from 2024 through 2036.

94 Wine Spectator

This full-bodied yet fresh, delicately savory Syrah is svelte compared to its more mammoth peers in this ripe vintage of Cornas. Black-currant and plum flavors are roasted and fleshy, accented by hints of leather, fur, iron and blood. Silky on the palate yet gripped by fine, firm tannins, the wine is relatively approachable young but should hold well through 2035.

94 Wine Enthusiast

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