Maison Tardieu-Laurent was founded in 1996 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, though for many years the business has been the exclusive domaine of the Tardieu family. Today, it is run by Michel, his son, Bastien, and daughter, Camille. When Michel started the business, he would ask the growers he worked with two questions: in their appellation, which producers' wines did they enjoy drinking and if they had some friends or producers with well-located, old vines who might be interested to work with him. The result is an extensive network of “partner vignerons” — farmers with whom the family have long-standing relationships, almost all of whom have enviable holdings of old vines in the northern and southern Rhône’s most prestigious appellations. Today, this word of mouth and handshake model is still how the family conducts their business.

Tardieu-Laurent's Condrieu — composed of 100% Viognier — is sourced from six of the region’s finest lieux-dits: Paton, Lys de Volan, la Bonnette, Rochecourbe, Les Rivoires and Merlant, from vines of 45+ years of age. The wine is aged for 10 months in new and first use barrels (Allier, Tronçais and Jupille), before it is bottled, unfined and lightly filtered.

This Condrieu is hypnotic on the nose with aromas of peach, honeysuckle, vanilla and apricot exploding from the glass; textbook Condrieu. The curvaceous palate has a lovely, creamy texture that is balanced by a bright, yet delicate, acidity, complementing the intense fruit, spice, mineral and floral flavors that flow into a long, decadent finish. This is a splendid Condrieu, a perfect representation of Viognier's most celebrated appellation. Absolutely stunning!