Maison Tardieu-Laurent - Côtes-du-Rhône Guy Louis rouge 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent created this association of excellence in the early 1990s, becoming one of the finest micro-negociants in the Rhône Valley. Today, Bastien and Michel Tardieu criss-cross the vineyards to find the best supplies, generally grapes from very old vines, often located in the historic heart of each appellation. In recent vintages, a real transformation has taken place: large casks, vinification using whole grapes for certain cuvées and, above all, a more measured approach to ageing have raised the already excellent level of quality even higher. A sure bet for the region.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the domain :

A wine enthusiast, Michel Tardieu teamed up with Dominique Laurent, the brilliant Burgundy négociant and winemaker, to start a small négoce business a decade ago. Michel Tardieu is unsurpassed when it comes to unearthing old-vine cuvées in all the Rhone appellations; add Dominique Laurent's expertise in maturing wines, with his magnificent barrels, and you've got a powerhouse duo crafting some of the Rhone's most extraordinary cuvées.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre from Lirac, Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise and Roaix, aged in a combination of second- and third-use barrels, followed by additional time in foudres, the 2018 Guy Louis Côtes du Rhône presents floral and spicy aromas, hints of garrigue and baking spices, as well as plenty of cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, with a persistent, slightly oaky finish.

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

This small, upmarket wine merchant was founded in the early 1990s by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent in the Rhône Valley. Thanks to excellent sourcing and a keen sense of winemaking and ageing, Michel Tardieu produces a range of consistent, modern wines. This leading-edge wine merchant, with impeccable sourcing in both the southern and northern Rhône valleys, has been awarded its second star this year.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Deep purple. Nose quite different from Becs Fins. Does Mourvèdre make such a difference? Tedious, interesting work with a much softer texture. Pure hedonism and accessibility. Nice little mouthful at the end, but the balance is excellent for drinking young or in the medium term.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Deeply colored, the 2018 Côtes Du Rhône Guy Louis is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and balanced Mourvèdre that has been largely destemmed and aged in second-fill barrels. It offers beautiful purity and precision in its aromas and flavors of black raspberry, spicy wood, garrigue and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and seamless on the palate, this is a gorgeous, easy wine to enjoy over the next 4-6 years.