Maison Tardieu Laurent- Vacqueyras

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The vintage

Strange and paradoxical… This vintage has reserved us quite a few surprises, and
still raises questions. Although described as « Great » by some Vignerons, its strong
heterogeneity, depending on the sectors, imposes us to be attentive, measured, though hopeful.
2018 : the vegetative cycle is early. Spring sees generous rains and heat strokes
alternate. According to “Elders”, from memory one has to get back to the 60’ to observe such pressure of diseases in the vineyard. And, unfortunately for some Domaines, the processing windows would, in the main, only open at the week-ends… The vintage therefore promises to be technically complicated, demanding meticulous, tedious, even relentless work, in the vineyards. Damage and losses vary… but yields on Grenache are historically low… Providentially, once again, we could count on Mother Nature’s final “nudge” ! Without hesitation we can assert that the quality of the remaining grapes, the quality of their juice, is mainly due to a brilliant month of September.
Indeed, the weather conditions during the harvest were almost perfect. Cool but sunny weather, with well-marked, valued, thermal amplitudes… The Vigneron was able to choose in all serenity the ideal moment to harvest, plot of land by plot of land, without having to operate any constrained arbitration…

Terroir

Les Garrigues

Ageing

8 months in one and two old barrels Allier – Tronçais

Alcohol content

13,5

Bottling

Sans collage, ni filtration

Cépages

Grenache blanc : 40 %
Clairette : 30 %
Roussanne : 20 %
Bourboulenc : 10 %

The light gold-colored 2018 Vacqueyras Blanc is another outstanding white from this team. Based on 40% Grenache, 30% Clairette, 20% Roussanne, and the rest Bourboulenc, vinified and aged in barrel, it boasts lots of apple blossom, spice, and crushed rock-like minerality. It’s rich and medium-bodied, with nicely integrated acidity and a great finish.

Jeb Dunnuck , 90/100 , 2019-08-16

Alluring, featuring creamed pear and apricot notes, laced with green almond, beeswax and lemon curd accents. The finish is lush but has the freshness for balance.

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator , 91/100 , 2019-11-30

Really attractive with a fresh citrussy nose and touch of lime blossom and orange blossom. The oak element works well, lending a touch of vanilla and cinnamon spice alongside well-balanced acidity. A really lovely wine, with all the generosity of fruit and gras you would expect, teamed with bright freshness and juicy fruit.

Matt Walls
Decanter , 93/100 , 2019-10-01

The 2018 Vacqueyras Blanc is a blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 20% Roussanne and 10% Bourboulenc. Despite scents of honey, orange and melon, it's a rather neutral white, with ample weight and concentration on the palate and anise shadings on the finish.

Joe Czerwinski
Wine Advocate , 89/100 , 2019-10-31

Pale honey colour. Round and satin textured. Without the verve of the Chateauneuf Blanc, with spice rather than herbs, but well made.

Jancis Robinson , 16,5/20 , 2019-11-11