2007 Tardieu Laurent Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

More stand out '07 Rhones
Yet another new discovery, Tardieu-Laurent is a negociant founded in 1994 as a partnership between Michel Tardieu, (who among other jobs has served as a driver for French Presidents) and Dominique Laurent, owner of a negociant firm in Burgundy. Today Michel Tardieu runs the firm on his own. He takes advice from the enormously influential Philippe Cambie, who also happens to be the Rhone consultant behind most of the 2007 Southern Rhones we've offerred to date. If you've enjoyed our previous shipments, you will be suitably impressed by these wines.

If you've enjoyed our previous shipments, you will be suitably impressed by these wines
The term 'vielles vignes' denotes fruit has been harvested from old vines. The 2007 Gigondas is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre and Cinsault sourced from vines up to 60 years old. A first class Gigondas                                       
Tasting Note....
Totally opaque black crimson colour with deep dark red hue. The nose displays top notes of blackberry, blackpepper and spice followed by some liquorice and confectionary. The palate possesses fabulous concentration and richness delivering flavours or rich ripe blackberry, spice, blackpepper and liquorice with a chewy meaty like texture. Excellent structure with a very spicy peppery back palate. Fine grained, slightly dryish tannins with long aftertaste of blackpepper, spice, blackberry and dried meat.
Cellar 5-6 years (2015-2016).
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Michel Tardieu uses about 80% stems in the vinification of the 2007 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes. This dark ruby/purple-hued effort reminds me of the Gigondas cuvees made by the brilliant Yves Gras. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by notes of raspberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, and flowers. The complex aromatics are followed by a dense, full-bodied wine displaying both power and richness. It should drink well for 8-10 years.
91-93 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

A captivating red, showing fig and hoisin sauce aromas and flavors, with a riveting graphite note. Superlush but defined, with the black tea, licorice snap and perfumy edge of the appellation all lingering through the velvety, lengthy finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2019. 500 cases made.
94 points
Wine Spectator Magazine