TARDIEU-LAURENT, RHÔNE 2017 VINTAGE NEW ARRIVAL?
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“Historically small yields… the lowest of the post-war years. These very challenging conditions gave birth to juices of such brilliant quality, which do better than merely console us: they entice!”
MICHEL TARDIEU
Corney & Barrow started working with Tardieu-Laurent in 2002, just six years after this family operation was established. Michel and Bastien Tardieu are négociants-éleveurs, meaning they rely on a patchwork of longstanding relationships with small growers the length of the Rhône valley. “
Although the grapes come from a 300km corridor, stretching from Côte-Rôtie in the north to Bandol in the south, the wines are all vinified in Tardieu-Laurent’s impressive modern facility in Lourmarin, in Provence.
2017 was a year of low, low volumes in the Rhône. The reasons for this were mainly a cool spring and a very hot summer. The reds are gratifyingly ageworthy, combining substantial natural extract, in the south in particular, with tannic finesse and very pretty perfume. The whites are delectable, veering towards the demonstrative end of the spectrum, with taut acidity safeguarding their harmony.
Free delivery on all orders of just SG$200 or more.
Order by 2pm Monday to Friday for next day delivery.
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Terms & Conditions
Free delivery on all orders of just SG$200 or more.
Offer valid while stocks last.
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THE WINES
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Special 4-bottle Set at SGD 210
(Original price SGD 234)
1x Rasteau Vieilles Vignes Tardieu-Laurent 2017
1x Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes Tardieu-Laurent 2017
1x Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Tardieu-Laurent 2017
1x Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes Tardieu-Laurent 2017
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SOUTHERN RHÔNE
RASTEAU VIEILLES VIGNES 2017
70% Grenache (the vines of which are a magnificent 80 years old), 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre (both a ‘mere’ 40 years old). A third of the grapes were left undestemmed and fermented as whole-bunches. A dark, kirschinflected nose, with bitter cherries and dark chocolate. The palate, by contrast, is supple and delectable, polished and rounded: this is a wine that embraces you, with an unexpected sweetness of fruit. “Shirley Bassey”, I appear to have scribbled during my first tasting… Aged for 12 months in one and two year-old barrels, then for eight months in foudres. Bravo.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2023 – 2030
SGD 50 per bottle
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VACACQUEYRAS VIEILLES VIGNES 2017
If Rasteau is flirtatious, Vacqueyras is more earthy and leathered – the Marlboro man, if you will. Whilst Vacqueyras can have a certain rusticity, half of this comes from sandy soils which, in combination with cool aspects, lend a silkiness to the tannins. 70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah (both 40 years old). 50% whole-bunch fermented. Violets and undergrowthy forest fruits on the nose. A firm sense of earth and a sweet leathered spice. The palate is more insinuating on the entry than the Rasteau, but tannic grip quickly accumulates in the mouth. This always needs long élevage and bottle ageing.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2024 – 2032
SGD 52 per bottle
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES 2017
From five old-vine plots, this is 80% Grenache (80-100 years old), 10% Syrah (50 years old) and 10% Mourvèdre (60 years old). A third whole-bunch vinified. Aged for 12 months in one year-old barrels, then for 12 months in foudres. Menthol and sweet spices on the nose, vanilla pods, with raspberry and a nod towards raisined fruit. The palate is dense, swaggering and virile, with tannins from the Mourvèdre and a substantial depth of flavour. A big wine, with a lot of ageing potential. Despite the slightly lower whole-bunch element this year, there is a lot of exotic spice.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2026 – 2036
SGD 80 per bottle
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NORTHERN RHÔNE
SAINT-JOSEPH VIEILLES VIGNES 2017
100% Syrah and Serine, Serine being an ancient clone of Syrah. The former vines are over 60 years old, the latter 100-120 years old! A third whole bunch fermentation. Blood oranges, violets – this is both floral and peppery, with a touch of meatiness. The palate is well-defined, with firm tannins asserting themselves early on. There is a lovely lightness of touch here, an upbeat acidity and a soaring floral component which pervades the palate. Taut rather than plump, but with such attractive perfume.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2023 – 2028
SGD 52 per bottle
Terms & Conditions
Free delivery on all orders of just SG$200 or more.
Offer valid until 24st February 2022, 6pm or while stocks last.
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