Tardieu Laurent : Côte-Rôtie 2024

The elegance and minerality of a Côte-Rôtie red wine

The estate

Founded in 1996 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, the négociant house Tardieu Laurent has established itself as a benchmark in the Rhône Valley. Based in Lourmarin, the company distinguishes itself through its pursuit of excellence via a rigorous selection of the finest terroirs. Today, the estate is entirely owned by the Tardieu family, with Michel at its head, supported by his wife Michèle and their children Camille and Bastien, the latter serving as winemaker. The house produces authentic wines that remain true to their origins.

The vineyard

The grapes come from renowned terroirs of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, located in the northern part of the region. The vines thrive on schist soils that give the wine its distinctive minerality. The house favors sourcing from historic plots, ensuring high-quality raw material.

The vintage

The year 2024 was marked by challenging weather conditions. The first eight months saw record rainfall, leading to significant disease pressure and limiting yields. However, the summer proved mild, with regular rain and no excessive heat. Thanks to a favorable end to the season, the harvest yielded grapes in remarkable sanitary condition, offering a natural balance between acidity and ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The making of this 2024 Côte-Rôtie follows a minimal-intervention philosophy. Depending on the cuvée, the harvest may be kept as whole bunches to preserve structure. Aging takes place over an extended period, combining French oak barrels sourced from the forests of Allier and Tronçais, followed by a resting stage in large-capacity foudres. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape varieties

Syrah (the cuvée from old vines also includes serine).

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2024 Côte-Rôtie by Tardieu Laurent

Tasting

Color
The color reveals an intense red hue.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet expresses notes of graphite and pepper, underscored by a beautiful minerality. The old-vine expressions also reveal aromas of ripe red fruits, crisp black berries, cedar, and subtle hints of smoked meat.

Palate
The palate stands out for its airy profile and delicacy. The tannic structure, fine yet present, supports a lace-like texture. The whole shines with its freshness, easy-drinking balance, and lingering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs well with hearty meats such as beef bourguignon, braised lamb shank, or grilled entrecôte. It also complements feathered game, dishes featuring truffles or mushrooms, as well as aged cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Pélardon.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate this 2024 Côte-Rôtie, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, decanting it about two hours before tasting while young. Approachable from its early years, it has an aging potential extending to around 2036.