2022 Tardieu-Laurent Gigondas "Vieilles Vignes", Rhône Valley, FranceABOUT THIS WINE Vinification follows the house's signature micro ngociant philosophy, focusing on extremely old vines (ranging from 60 to over 100 years old). Produced from grapes grown on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, which is composed of limestone and marl at about 400m above sea level. Approximately 75% (three quarters) of the harvest kept whole cluster. The wine is fermented traditionally before being aged 12 month

restrained oak

showcases the region's best using bought-in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from vineyards ranging from entry-level Bourgogne to grand cru with winemaker Thomas Dinel overseeing the whole process from grape to bottle and taking its well-made range of Burgundy to the next level of quality

The estate famously refuses to submit its wines for numerical scoring

two in the commune of Barbaresco (Bric Balin and Cole) and one in the commune of Neive (Basarin)

pure expressions of Riesling on slopes along the Rhine River in Nierstein

donkeys and cows grazing through the vineyards

with winemaker Philippe Bascaules leading the winemaking team

On the highest and most stony part of « les Quarts »

The team meticulously manages their vineyard sources and works closely with growers to ensure the highest standards are maintained

black cherry compote

This meticulous process involves a 48 to 72-hour maceration period

After 12 months in barriques