Famille Tardieu has become one of the best micro-negociants in the Rhone Valley. Nowadays, Bastien and Michel explore the vineyards to find grapes from very old vines, often located in the historical heart of each appellation. Then the link is made with the wine-grower, from the vine to the harvest.For a wine to carry the Condrieu AOC name it must be made from 100% viognier. This is the home of viognier, where it is produced most famously, in the northern Rhone Valley. The 2018 vintage Condrieu from producers, Tardieu-Laurent, has been warmly received by critics. The wine is rich and round, having spent 10 months in new and 1 year old French oak. Floral aromas come first, followed by creamy, plush peach, honeysuckle, melon and tropical notes, treading a line between the very rich, and leaner styles of Condrieu.

Clos Saouma Arioso Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape This is sourced entirely from the Lieu-dit of Pierredon and 100% Grenache Blanc. Its vinified the same way as the Magis see above however the élevage is just one single 500 litre demi-mud for 36 months on full lees, no racking/sulphur for the full period.

DOMAINE LUCIEN LE MOINE 1er Cru Montmains, Chablis Lucien Le Moine is a unique négocianthaute couture is often how they are described. Husband and wife, Mounir and Rotem Saouma source small parcels of wine from many producers. Their contribution to the wine is in the elevage, esoteric regime which changes each vintage relying on Mounirs sensory talents forged in a Trappist monastery in Lebanon and honed in their vaulted cellars in the Cote dOr. Working with the best (Jupilles, FRA), fine-grained new oak, the Saoumas produce a staggering number of Grands and 1er Crus cuvees.