Tardieu Laurent Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis 2017

Drink now through to 2026. No need to decant before serving.

Established in 1994, Domaine Tardieu-Laurent is a negociant in the Rhone Valley which sources top young wines from each vintage from across the region. The business was founded by Dominique Laurent, a former patissier who now makes excellent Burgundies, and young winemaker Michel Tardieu. Tardieu-Laurent does not own any vineyards, but their winemaking philosophy is very much focused on the terroir and allowing their wines to transmit a distinctive sense of place.

Guy Louis is an elegant, medium-bodied Cotes du Rhone crafted from old vines grown on sandy soils in the appellations of Lirac, Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, Cairanne, and Roaix. The blend is dominated by Grenache along with smaller proportions of Syrah and Mourvedre grapes sourced from 30-50 year old vines. In the winery the young wine spends 10 months in small oak barrels followed by 8 months in larger foudres.

The nose opens with subtle hints of dark cherry, cassis, dried violets and sweet spice while the first sip reveals a bright freshness balanced by firm tannins and ripe black berry notes. The well-developed structure and bold flavours make this a great wine to add to the cellar or to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.