A 100% Grenache cuvee from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more. Wine Advocate # 179 Oct 2008 Robert Parker (94-96 points) Drink: 2008 - 2028

This is gorgeous, with wood spice and tobacco notes leading the way for a massive core of black Mission fig and warm currant preserve flavors. This has the opulent fruit of the vintage, but maintains an edgy minerality as well. The long finish ripples with lavender and black tea. 100 percent Grenache, no destemming. Best from 2010 through 2023. 125 cases imported. Score: 95 Points; James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator

Tardieu-Laurent is one of the most highly acclaimed négociants in the Rhône. Its success began with a serendipitous meeting between Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent. The two formed a friendship in the early 1990s, which led to the formation of Tardieu-Laurent Vallée du Rhône Maison de Négoce. Beginning with the first vintage in 1994, the wines of Tardieu-Laurent have won the praise of collectors and critics alike. Today, while the two men continue to share an extraordinary friendship, Tardieu-Laurent is solely under Michel’s guidance and care. Located in Lourmarin, in the heart of the Luberon, Tardieu-Laurent crafts approximately 17 wines each year, two-thirds of which are produced in southern Rhône. The remaining wines are produced in northern Rhône. Wilson Daniels.

“The vintage of a lifetime” - Robert Parker, describing the 2007 vintage in Southern Rhône

"Michel Tardieu has exceptional knowledge about some of the finest vineyards and grape sources in both the northern and southern Rhone" - Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, Issue 169