Maison Tardieu Laurent - Hermitage

Téléchargements

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

Pierrelles, Beaume, Murets, La Croix

Ageing

12 month in barrels et 12 month in foudre Stockinger

Serving

14°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.

Alcohol content

14%

Bottling

Without fining and light filtration.

Cépages

Marsanne : 80 %
Roussanne : 20 %

White currants, crushed rocks, charcoal, and acacia flower notes all emerge from the 2018 Hermitage Blanc, and this puppy is full-bodied, deep, and powerful on the palate. Based on 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, it has perfectly integrated oak, good acidity, and a blockbuster finish.

Jeb Dunnuck , 92-94/100 , 2019-08-16

This has more depth and fullness than many of the weedier white Hermitage wines in 2018. It has a gently sappy style with well-integrated oak and a fresh, juicy finish. Good length, harmonious and well-balanced. For early drinking, but it's very good. From lieux-dits Les Pierrelles, La Beaume, Les Murets and La Croix. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in new and second use barrels; 12 months maturation, followed by a further 12 months in Stockinger foudres.

Matt Walls
Decanter , 92/100 , 2019-10-01

Firm and slightly medicinal. Herbal and sinewy and exciting — sui generis with a wonderful structure and firm undercurrent. Blossomy but there is every sign that this will eventually be more serious. Juicy and youthful. Likely to have two periods of drinkabilitv but I will suggest only the first.

Jancis Robinson , 17,5+/20 , 2019-11-11

Wine Enthusiast , 96/100 , 2021-01-11