Tardieu Laurent Crozes Hermitage Vieilles Vignes 2017

Drink now through to 2030. No need to decant before serving.

Delicate hints of smoke, dried herbs and bright red fruit characterises the nose, leading on to an intense, complex palate packed with layers of cassis, cherry, leather, and sweet spice. The medium body is complemented by rounded tannins and a smooth texture which makes it a great choice to drink alongside charcuterie or hearty red meat dishes.

This Crozes Hermitage is crafted with prime grapes sourced from 60-year old Syrah vines planted on hillside plots. The young wine is matured in new oak barrels for 12 months and then transferred to larger foudres for an additional 6 months of ageing. This helps to soften the firm tannins and add extra complexity and polish to the finished wine.

Domaine Tardieu-Laurent was founded by esteemed Burgundian winemaker Dominique Laurent and up-and-coming enologist Michel Tardieu in 1994 and works as a negociant. The winery does not own any vineyards but prefers to source top quality young wines from small producers across the Rhone Valley. Their winemaking philosophy is strongly focused on expressing an authentic sense of place and they insist on using biodynamic practices in the vineyard and carefully selecting the barrels their partner growers use to create exceptional quality wines.