Availability:
Southern Rhone
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- Nick's Import
2012 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkMaison Tardieu Laurent has developed a solid following here in Australia in recent years. Their 2007s have been stunning across the board. In 2008, they dodged the bullets, providing us with some of the finest wines in what was a difficult vintage for the Southern Rhone, then they came back ever so strongly with the stunning 2009 and 2010 vintages in both North and South. 2011 delivered fresh, aromatic wines that are drinking well already.
In 2012 the wines across the board are a step above their 2011 counteparts, rich and fruit driven with good concentration. Likened to a lighter styled 2010 vintage, the wines are again vibrant and expressive, with dark fruit and medium to full-bodied richness. While they will be aproachable on release, the best will live for 15+ years.
Given their remarkable quality and consistency, it's no surprise that globally, the wines of Tardieu Laurent are in bigger demand than ever. So much so that the Australian allocations have steadily been reduced in recent years. Quite simply, they're becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Consequently, we've got in early to secure a selection of the 2012s as direct imports. The prices are fantastic but the quantities available are extremely limited and the wines will be sold on a first in first served basis. Don't delay!
Other Reviews...
Starting off the reds, and what certainly looks to be an outstanding effort, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is comprised of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. Fermented with 50% whole-cluster, it offers up complex, nuanced notes of spice, toast, mulled blackberry and raspberry to go with a medium-bodied, elegant and finely textured palate. Showing solid richness and depth, with superb balance, it’s should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Drink 2014-2024
90-92 points
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue #209 Oct 2013![50955452_1.jpg]()
- Nick's Import
2015 Tardieu-Laurent Cotes du Rhone Cuvee SpecialeCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenClosure: CorkWith some of the vines at the edge of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this is a traditional style of Cotes du Rhone showing more finesse than is usual for the area. The wine is vinified in whole bunches, without de-stemming, aged for 12 months in 2 and 3 year old barrels with a further 6 months in large oak foudres. 100% Grenache.
No reviews to date.
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- Nick's Import
2012 Tardieu-Laurent Rasteau Vieilles VignesRasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkMaison Tardieu Laurent has developed a solid following here in Australia in recent years. Their 2007s have been stunning across the board. In 2008, they dodged the bullets, providing us with some of the finest wines in what was a difficult vintage for the Southern Rhone, then they came back ever so strongly with the stunning 2009 and 2010 vintages in both North and South. 2011 delivered fresh, aromatic wines that are drinking well already.
In 2012 the wines across the board are a step above their 2011 counteparts, rich and fruit driven with good concentration. Likened to a lighter styled 2010 vintage, the wines are again vibrant and expressive, with dark fruit and medium to full-bodied richness. While they will be aproachable on release, the best will live for 15+ years.
Given their remarkable quality and consistency, it's no surprise that globally, the wines of Tardieu Laurent are in bigger demand than ever. So much so that the Australian allocations have steadily been reduced in recent years. Quite simply, they're becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Consequently, we've got in early to secure a selection of the 2012s as direct imports. The prices are fantastic but the quantities available are extremely limited and the wines will be sold on a first in first served basis. Don't delay!
Other Reviews...
Comprised mostly of Grenache, with 20% of Syrah, the 2012 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a big, rich, full-bodied effort that gives up classic Rasteau aromas and flavors of dark berry fruit, mineral, leather, chocolate and dusty soil. There’s a fair kick of tannin here, so don’t be afraid to give it a year or two in the cellar. It should drink well for upward of a decade or more.
91-93 points
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue #210 Dec 2013![0039826_1.jpg]()
- 95
- 90
- Nick's Import
2014 Tardieu-Laurent Cuvee Speciale Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkOpaque dark red black colour with a bright dark red hue. Aromas of black raspberries, subtle black cherries and liquorice emanate from the glass followed by hints of scorched earth and dried herbs. Medium to full bodied the palate is filled with luscious black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry flavours over infusions of incense, scorched earth and spice. Finishes with slightly grippy but perfectly balanced tannins. Excellent richness and power with a long spicy black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, incense and subtle scorched earth aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%Other Reviews….
Winemaker Michel Tardieu makes a relatively modern style of wine that never lacks for fruit, texture or personality. The only special cuvée made (there’s no Vieilles Vignes), the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Speciale is a brilliant looking barrel sample that comes all from the sandy parts of the La Crau lieu-dit. Possessing noticeably more depth and richness than the classic cuvée, it has medium to full-bodied weight, ripe tannin and classic notes of black raspberry, fruitcake, pepper and incense. It too will drink nicely on release but evolve gracefully for 10-12 years.
90-92 points
Jeb Dennuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate![50955454_1.jpg]()
- 93
- 92
- Nick's Import
2015 Tardieu-Laurent Vacqueyras Vieilles VignesVacquerays, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Opaque ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe blue fruits, Asian spices and incense pick up a vibrant mineral flourish with air. Palate-staining, appealingly sweet boysenberry, cherry and spicecake flavors are complemented by an exotic floral pastille quality and a touch of spiciness. Rich but energetic as well, showing impressive finishing clarity and smooth, even tannins that sneak in slowly. Drink 2022 - 2030.
93 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous (Nov 2018)Solid, with enmeshed notes of black licorice, fig paste and boysenberry preserves, lined with brambly grip and backed by a roasted apple wood accent on the finish. Best from 2019 through 2023. 550 cases made, 20 cases imported.
92 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 25% Syrah (40 years old), 5% Mourvèdre (40 years old). Two-thirds whole bunch, aged in one-year-old barrels.
Blackish ruby. Sweet and silky on the nose – most alluring already. Heady. Round with very gentle tannins that make their presence felt only on the very end, along with a hint of alcoholic warmth. This really does taste of Provençal sunshine; there could even be a hint of lavender along with the sautéed plums. Drink 2018 – 2026.
17/20 points
Jancis Robinson MW![333975_1.jpg]()
- Nick's Import
2013 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkOther reviews....
Slightly closed aromatically, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape reluctantly gives up subtle blackberry and black raspberry-styled fruits, dried earth and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, ripe and supple feel on the palate. Possessing an uncommon level of richness and texture on the palate for the vintage, it has rock-solid density, superb tannin quality and a great finish. It should shine on release and evolve gracefully for up to a decade.
89-92 points
Jeb Dunnuck - eRobertParker.com #215 (Oct 2014)Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis and cherry are complicated by suggestions of cola, black pepper and violet; there's something vaguely northern Rhône going on here. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense dark fruit flavors sharpened by a spicy quality. Rich yet lively wine with strong finishing thrust and smooth tannins.
90-92 points
Josh Raynolds - vinous.com![6638924_1.jpg]()
- 95
- Nick's Import
2014 Tardieu-Laurent Guy Louis Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkOpaque dark purple core with black tinged edges and a bright crimson purple hue. Scented aromas of black raspberry and liquorice emanate from the glass followed by hints of incense, scorched earth and pepper. Rich succulent black raspberry and liquorice flavours fill the palate within a sturdy structural feel overlaying incense infusions and a touch of meatiness with a peppery finish. Solidly built but fine grained tannins. Excellent length with a long peppery aftertaste of black raspberries, liquorice, incense infusions and a faint meatiness.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14%![6638864_1.jpg]()
- 94
- Nick's Import
2014 Tardieu-Laurent Vieilles Vignes RasteauRasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkTotally opaque black red colour with a dark purple black tinged hue. Scented aromas of black raspberries, black cherries and liquorice are overlaid by peppery dried meat characters with spicy incense end notes. Possessing a robust structure and inky tight knit feel there’s still an abundance of richness lurking beneath with peppered black raspberry and liquorice flavours overlaying spicy incense and scorched earth. Dry finish with grippy tannins imparting a sense of chalkiness to the mouthfeel. Medium to long spicy aftertaste of black raspberries, black cherries, liquorice, graphite and blackpepper.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%-
- 91
2017 The Palm By Whispering Angel RoseProvence, FRANCE$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2019-2020)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Translucent salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Fragrant white peach, strawberry and cherry aromas are followed by some musk, subtle rose petal notes and wet slate. Elegant and fresh with a rounded mid palate feel, flavours of peaches, cherries and raspberries sit over stony characters, traces of musk and spice. Finishes dry with vibrant acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% ![904668_1.jpg]()
- 87
2017 Tiens Ca! RoseLanguedoc, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 1 - 1 Years (2019-2019)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz. Pale salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Subtle aromas of raspberry and peaches are overlaid by stony earth like elements with hints of spicy musk also evident. Slippery mouthfeel with refreshing flavours of peaches, raspberries and wet stone. Finishes dry and spicy with crisp acidity and a moderate aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5%![904733_1.jpg]()
- 89
2017 Tiens Ca! Rouge Shiraz CabernetLanguedoc, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2019-2020)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinDeep dark red colour with a red to brick red hue. Ripe red currant aromas intermix with earthy bay leaf likes notes, vanillin cedar and spicy fresh herbs. Light to medium weight with a soft fleshy feel the palate is flavoured with juicy red currants, mulberries, infusions of bay leaf and spicy earth. Fine grained tannins with good freshness on the savoury finish and an elegant medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5%![902221_1.jpg]()
- 90
2014 Triennes RoseProvence, FRANCE$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2015)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinTranslucent pale salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Delightful opening scents of raspberries and musk are followed by a hint of Turkish delight and spice. Texturally round and dry the palate features flavours of raspberries and cherries with a touch of musk also present finishing very dry and spicy. Aftertaste of spicy cherries, raspberries and musk.
Drink now.
Alc 13%![906539_1.jpg]()
- 92
2018 Val de Loire Reserve des Vignerons Rose de LoireLoire Valley, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2020)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinTranslucent rosy pink colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pomegranate and blood orange intermix with water melon, subtlety spiced musk and stony notes. Raspberry, blood orange and water melon flavours make a supple entry onto the palate overlaying citrus and subtle stony characters. Brisk dry finish with a medium length conclusion.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5%![908778_1.jpg]()
- 94
2018 Vignerons de L'Enclave La Resistance Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkA Grenache Syrah blend that’s certified organic. Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Wafting from the glass are intense black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry scents followed by scorched earth and hints of spicy leather. Amply weighted in the mouth, rich black cherry and black raspberry fruits are intermeshed with liquorice, scorched earth, dried herbs and blackpepper. Opulent feel with ripe chewy tannins and a long moreish black fruited aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%![904599_1.jpg]()
- 92
2017 Villa Aix en Provence RoseProvence, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2018)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkTranslucent pale salmon colour with a watery hue. The nose is scented with peach, raspberry and light musk aromatics followed by some stony notes. Very supple and round in the mouth, flavours of peach, raspberry, water melon and wet stone slide across the palate. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and an aftertaste of peach, raspberry, water melon, subtle musk and stony characters.
Drink now.
Alc. 13%![400200588_1.jpg]()
- 93
- 92
- Nick's Import
2015 Yves Cheron Les Dentelles Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkThe Cheron family origins lie in Burgundy but early in the 1960’s Denis Cheron saw the untapped potential of some of Rhone’s lesser known appellations and purchased a production facility in Vacqueyras. Denis’s son Yves is in now charge of the operation and has expanded the family’s holdings in Rhone, typically producing pure, elegantly structured Grenache based reds.
A delightful Cotes du Rhone that captures the essence of the excellent 2015 vintage.
Totally opaque black dark red core with a youthful dark red hue. Nosing evokes fragrant aromatics of inky black raspberries, dark cherries, hints of liquorice, earthy incense characters and dried herb end notes. Light on its feet yet with excellent length and power, as well as a feeling of freshness, the medium bodied palate dishes up delicious flavours of spicy crushed dark raspberries and dark cherries over a touch of liquorice, inky earth like nuances, infusions of incense and pepper. Bright finish with slightly dry and chewy, but balanced tannins. Aftertaste of spicy dark raspberries, cherries, shades of liquorice, inky earth, dried herbs, incense infusions and pepper.
Cellar 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…
I was blown away by the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Yves Cheron les Dentelles. Made from 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged all in cement, it’s a big, rich, full-bodied beauty that’s loaded with notions of kirsch, blackberries, toasted spices and white pepper. Deep, rich, concentrated and impeccably balanced, it’s the real deal.
92 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate![90050454_1.jpg]()
- 95
- Nick's Import
2016 Yves Cheron Les Dentelles Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkThe Cheron family origins lie in Burgundy but early in the 1960’s Denis Cheron saw the untapped potential of some of Rhone’s lesser known appellations and purchased a production facility in Vacqueyras. Denis’s son Yves is in now charge of the operation and has expanded the family’s holdings in Rhone, typically producing pure, elegantly structured Grenache based reds.
An irresistible Cotes du Rhone from the Spectacular 2016 vintage.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a bright dark red hue. Alluring aromatics of ripe dark to black cherries and liquorice laced with incense and provincial herb notes show excellent lift. Hints of earth and pepper finish things off. Medium bodied, there’s a juicy feel to the rich black cherry, dark raspberry and liquorice fruit. Elements of earthy incense, herb infusions and spicy pepper then chime in on the back palate. Balanced fresh acidity and ripe, slightly chewy tannins provide some structural attributes. Excellent length and power. Concludes with a long delicious dark fruit, liquorice, incense, earthy dried herb and spicy pepper aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%
