2013 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape

Owing Its Near-Mythical Status to a Block of Vines

One of the most revered Châteauneufs is that of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, which owes its near-mythical status to a block of vines from the iconic La Crau vineyard. That’s why this 2013 Tardieu-Laurent Châteauneuf-du-Pape is so special — it’s secret ingredient? A block of vines from La Crau. We pegged the 2013 Tardieu-Laurent at 92 points. Wine Spectator concurred, and Wine Enthusiast went one further, noting the Tardieu’s “plummy yet savory notes” and lauding it as a “full-bodied, firm and intense” 93-point Editors’ Choice. Of the miniscule 375-case production, we locked into 25 cases. Elsewhere this is $58, but on Wine Access today, just 31% off. Don’t miss out.

As a reputable négociant, Tardieu-Laurent doesn’t own vineyards, but instead has the luxury of turning to the best available sites for fruit. In the case of the 2013, Tardieu-Laurent scored a massive coup in sourcing fruit from La Crau, the famed lieu-dit (a small, special selection of vines) whose status has reached near-mythical levels as the principal component in the revered Châteauneuf of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. The result is a gorgeous, rich and ripe Châteauneuf that is ready for dinner tonight, and will develop phenomenal complexity over the next 5-7 years in the cellar.

Tardieu-Laurent’s 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is assembled from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 40-80-year-old vines. They’re known as a progressive producer fond of Bordeaux’s savory expressions and hip to California’s ripeness. To coax both in 2013, Tardieu elected to age the wine for 12 months in one-year-old barrels, then for an additional six months in massive wooden foudres. The result of this judicious use of barrels preserves the savory qualities so famous to CdP, while maintaining fresh fruit flavors bolstered by an elegant and refined structure.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.50%
• 30 mins
• Now – 2027
• 80% Grenache20% Syrah
• Serving temperature – 65°
• Cork