Tardieu-Laurent Vieilles Vignes Gigondas is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. Black cherry interplays with spice and herbs in this incredibly concentrated, intense wine. Will mellow with time.
As one of the leading négociants in the Rhône, Maison Tardieu-Laurent have access to some of the most established old vines in the region. Tardieu-Laurent handpick the producers whose fruit finds its way into all of their wines, thus producing exemplary expressions of Rhône terroir at all tiers.
80% Grenache (60 to over 100 years old), 10% Syrah (over 40 years old), 10% Mourvèdre (60 to over 100 years old). One-third destemmed. Fruit from: La Boussière, Les Garrigues, Les Dentelles and Saint Gayan. 10 months in one- and two-year-old barrels plus another 12 months in foudres (Tronçais and Allier).
Mid crimson. Rich, floral nose with quite a cocktail of different elements. Very open and juicy on the palate with none of the dry tannins of some of its stablemates. The rosy side of Grenache much in evidence here. Very pretty indeed… Not that you’d want to sip this as an aperitif but it is delightfully accessible.
17 points, JancisRobinson.com (September 2018)
The impressive 2017 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is 90% Grenache, sourced from up in the Dentelles above the village. It's lifted and floral on the nose, backing those notes with mixed cherries. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it's a touch open-knit, with hints of orange zest on the long finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
(91-93) points, Wine Advocate (August 2019)
The deep ruby-colored 2017 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is more austere and mineral-driven than the Vacqueyras, with kirsch, blackberries, dried garrigue, and ample minerality. This medium to full-bodied, structured yet balanced barrel sample should be outstanding, but give it 2-3 years of bottle age.
(90-92+) points, JebDunnuck.com (August 2018)
