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 Vacqueyras rouge — a stunning blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah — was fermented 2/3 whole cluster, spending ten months in first- and second-use barrels, then ten more months in foudre before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep dark ruby in the glass, this ravishing Rhône offers a melange of ripe black fruit aromas mixed with hints of licorice and lavender. The medium- to full-bodied palate is abundant with lush spiced fruit flavors — blackberries, plum and boysenberries — that are supported by rich texture and rounded tannins. Enjoy with lamb lollipops or any hearty stews or braises.