
Regarded as the ‘pope of Crozes-Hermitage’, the Alain Graillot estate has, since the 1980s, played a major role in raising the profile of this appellation, which was previously so undervalued. On alluvial gravel soils (at the confluence of the Isère and Rhône rivers), this estate has been producing straightforward, juicy, elegant and, above all, perfectly easy-drinking wines for 40 years. Awarded two stars in the 2026 edition of the Revue du Vin de France guide.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (2026 Guide): 93/100
Vinous (N. Greinacher – January 2026): 90/100 “The 2023 Saint-Joseph comes forward nicely in these early days, opening with delicate licorice, black cherry, clove and hints of blackberry. Round and refined, the medium-bodied 2023 checks out with spicy persistence.”
In two generations (Etienne in 1946 then Marcel in 1961), the name Guigal has established itself as the standard bearer in the northern Rhône. Its three mythical Côte-Rôtie cuvées (La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque) have ensured the Maison's reputation for excellence beyond the borders of France.
Domaine rated two stars in La Revue du Vin de France 2021's guide.
100% Syrah (35 years old), aged 40 months in new barrels, La Landonne is a super-powerful wine with a massive tannic structure, extraordinary concentration and the ability to stand the test of time. The 2009 vintage was rated 100/100 by Robert Parker "a killer wine, built like Arnold Schwarzenegger".
The 2009 vintage in the press :
Vinous (J. Raynolds - March 2014): 96/100 "Glass-staining purple. Explosive aromas of dark berries, fresh violet and anise, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Sappy and incisive on the palate, offering deeply pitched, spice-tinged cassis and bitter cherry flavors accented by bitter herbs. Closes extremly long, with firm tannic grip and alluring sweetness, leaving a zesty mineral note behind. Showing a surprising degree of elegance for the vintage and for this bottling, which is usually the most forbidding of Guigal's big-gun Cote-Roties."
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes, with a dominant of marsanne, comes from 30 to 40 years old vines.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Saint-Péray Vieilles Vignes: 50% marsanne (with 100 years old vines!) and 50% roussanne. On a background of honeyed and toasted notes, intense aromas of white flowers and quince, the freshness is well present and, in the mouth, the vivacity balances the roundness.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
A blend of grenache, roussanne, clairette and bourboulenc, this white Châteauneuf plays the card of freshness and discretion. With aromas of white peach and orange blossom, its natural power will be fully expressed after 5 to 6 years of aging.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
100% Viognier (45 years old), from the best terroirs of the appellation. A Condrieu that is restrained, expressive and complex but without exuberance.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Splendid Hermitage white wine, 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, with aromas of peach and acacia honey, with a characteristic touch of marzipan.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (2026 Guide): 94/100 “The Hermitage has an extra burst of vigour on the palate. The ageing is evident in a hint of vanilla that in no way detracts from the fruit, as the wine has the density to absorb it.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Thanks to vines (Syrah) 60 years old, Michel Tardieu produces a 'grand' Crozes-Hermitage. Divided between fruit and minerality, in a round and silky style more Burgundian than Rhodanian, a perfect introduction to the Hermitage's wines.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
This Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes is a perfect balance between the gourmet raspberry/cherry fruit (as in Hermitage) and the mineral tension of the schist and granite subsoil (as in Cornas). Syrah and serine (small syrah), aged 60 and over 100 years respectively.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (2026 Guide): 91/100 “Further north, the Saint-Joseph is full-bodied and lush, with a subtle, well-integrated buttery note complementing the fruit, where violet notes dominate.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Cornas from Syrah and small Syrah aged 60 years minimum. The austerity due to the schistose soil is perfectly balanced here by Michel Tardieu's talent as a breeder. A model for the northern Rhône.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
The rare Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is uncompromising, with Syrahs aged from 80 to over 100 years on two plots of land on the hillside, vinified 75% in whole clusters. Expect at least 15 years of cellar ageing.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.
A new cuvée created in 2017, a Côte-Rôtie Vieilles Vignes from the heart of the hillside on the major terroirs of the Côte Brune. Phenomenal concentration, energetic tannin, a compact but refined wine, to wait at least 10 years before considering tasting.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (2026 Guide): 94/100 “Let’s conclude with this pure Côte-Rôtie, which offers a lovely fruity finish. This deep, age-worthy wine is characterised by rich, refined fruit.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.
A new cuvée created in 2017, a Côte-Rôtie Vieilles Vignes from the heart of the hillside on the major terroirs of the Côte Brune. Phenomenal concentration, energetic tannin, a compact but refined wine, to wait at least 10 years before considering tasting.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N.Greinacher - October 2023): 92/100 “The deep purple-colored 2021 Côte-Rotie Vieilles Vignes checks in at 13% alcohol. Ripe red fruits, cedar, licorice and meaty nuances are all pushed forward. Medium-bodied, round and polished, the 2021 engages the palate with good concentration and bright acidity. Ripe yet firm tannins call for a few more years in bottle. It closes with persistence on the sapid finale.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
More roundness and flesh than Côte-Rôtie, with a texture of fatty and melting tannins, the solar side of the Hermitage hillside is perfectly highlighted here.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
More roundness and flesh than Côte-Rôtie, with a texture of fatty and melting tannins, the solar side of the Hermitage hillside is perfectly highlighted here.
The 2022 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Greinacher - December 2024): 92/100 "Dark and brooding, the 2022 Hermitage unwinds with intense notes of licorice, black cherry jam, clove, wood smoke and vanilla. Full-bodied, concentrated and bold, the 2022 is an ambitious, firmly structured Hermitage that demands at least three more years of cellaring. This ends with stamina on the refined, precise finale."
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
More roundness and flesh than Côte-Rôtie, with a texture of fatty and melting tannins, the solar side of the Hermitage hillside is perfectly highlighted here.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N.Greinacher - October 2023): 92/100 “The 2021 Hermitage exhibits bright raspberry, red cherry, leafy shadings, cedarwood and violet traces. Polished and round, the 2021 engages the palate with great concentration and juicy core of fruit. Checking in at 13.5% alcohol, it will benefit from two more years in bottle.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
More roundness and flesh than Côte-Rôtie, with a texture of fatty and melting tannins, the solar side of the Hermitage hillside is perfectly highlighted here.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.
The Côtes-du-Rhône Cuvée Spéciale is made with Grenache, a wine with soft tannins and a fruity character.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Blend of Grenache aged 80 years, Syrah (40 years) and Mourvèdre (40 years), on the clay-limestone slopes of Rasteau, a fleshy, generous wine, typical southern Rhône.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Built like a "small" Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this Gigondas is just as velvety, just as fruity, but slightly softer. Very strong majority of grenache (vines aged from 60 to more than 100 years), completed with syrah and mourvèdre.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (2026 Guide): 92/100 “With lovely aromatic freshness, this Gigondas has a slender body, a pleasingly fine texture and fruit of great purity: a fine expression of this great terroir.”
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
In addition to his classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michel Tardieu produces an original cuvée, the Cuvée Spéciale, 100% century-old Grenache, which is incredibly rich and voluptuous. A superlative wine aged in barrels in barrels of at least one wine (no new barrels to best express the sweetness of old grenaches).
The 2023 vintage in the press :
Bettane + Desseauve (Guide 2026) : 96/100
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
In addition to his classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michel Tardieu produces an original cuvée, the Cuvée Spéciale, 100% century-old Grenache, which is incredibly rich and voluptuous. A superlative wine aged in barrels in barrels of at least one wine (no new barrels to best express the sweetness of old grenaches).
The 2022 vintage in the press :
Bettane + Desseauve (Guide 2026) : 95/100
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
In addition to his classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michel Tardieu produces an original cuvée, the Cuvée Spéciale, 100% century-old Grenache, which is incredibly rich and voluptuous. A superlative wine aged in barrels in barrels of at least one wine (no new barrels to best express the sweetness of old grenaches).
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
In addition to his classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michel Tardieu produces a cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a blend of grenache (80 to over 100 years), mourvèdre (60 to 80 years) and syrah (50 years), more tense and spicier (pepper, clove, laurel), an interminable finish, a wine of great style and long ageing potential.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
In addition to his classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michel Tardieu produces a cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a blend of grenache (80 to over 100 years), mourvèdre (60 to 80 years) and syrah (50 years), more tense and spicier (pepper, clove, laurel), an interminable finish, a wine of great style and long ageing potential.
Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
A true Bandol, almost pure Mourvèdre, taking with ageing accents of Cabernet Sauvignon. Very long ageing potential (20 years or more).
Since 1994, Tardieu-Laurent has been selecting and ageing wines from very old vines grown in the finest terroirs of each appellation. A partner until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, renowned for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, owing to the innate richness of the wines of the Rhône Valley, always sought to emphasise elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Since the 2018 vintage, Michel and Bastien Tardieu have been setting aside, as soon as the harvest begins, any cuvée (rarely more than two barrels) with exceptional characteristics, a combination of an exceptional terroir, very old vines and an ideal vintage. These micro-selections receive special care tailored to the circumstances: vinification entirely or partly using whole bunches, fermentation in barrels, extended ageing on fine lees plus six months of finishing in stoneware amphorae, and bottling without fining or filtration.
These exceptional cuvées, capable of rivalling the finest wines from the Rhône’s greatest producers, are named “Le Goût du Lieu” because each bottle comes from a specific plot and aims to be the perfect embodiment of the appellation from which it originates.
The Saint-Joseph ‘Goût du Lieu’ comes from the Chanson vineyard in Chavanay, with century-old vines (Petite Serine).
This old estate (14th century) of Châteauneuf-du-Pape was bought in 2006 by Mr. Cazes (Lynch-Bages, Haut-Batailley, Ormes de Pez...). With 25 hectares (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre), in two excellent sectors (La Nerthe and Rayas), and by voluntarily limiting the yields to 30hl/ha, Mr. Cazes strives to produce only one vintage in red as well as in white, Châteauneufs that are accessible both on the gustatory and financial levels.
The white is fine, airy, without excess generosity, with a beautiful energy brought by the clairette (30%). The red is a classic Châteauneuf, refined and silky, also focusing more on finesse and aromatic intensity than on power, in the spirit of Rayas.
The 2023 vintage in the press :
Bettane + Desseauve (Guide 2026) : 88/100
This old estate (14th century) of Châteauneuf-du-Pape was bought in 2006 by Mr. Cazes (Lynch-Bages, Haut-Batailley, Ormes de Pez...). With 25 hectares (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre), in two excellent sectors (La Nerthe and Rayas), and by voluntarily limiting the yields to 30hl/ha, Mr. Cazes strives to produce only one vintage in red as well as in white, Châteauneufs that are accessible both on the gustatory and financial levels.
The white is fine, airy, without excess generosity, with a beautiful energy brought by the clairette (30%). The red is a classic Châteauneuf, refined and silky, also focusing more on finesse and aromatic intensity than on power, in the spirit of Rayas.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Greinacher - June 2024): 91/100 “Round and refreshing, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers plenty of bang for the buck. Combining licorice with dried herbs, raspberry, black tea and black cherry, the medium-to full-bodied 2021 is enveloped by soft tannins. Concentrated and layered, this is a remarkably refined Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine des Sénéchaux that should drink well right out of the gate.”
This old estate (14th century) of Châteauneuf-du-Pape was bought in 2006 by Mr. Cazes (Lynch-Bages, Haut-Batailley, Ormes de Pez...). With 25 hectares (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre), in two excellent sectors (La Nerthe and Rayas), and by voluntarily limiting the yields to 30hl/ha, Mr. Cazes strives to produce only one vintage in red as well as in white, Châteauneufs that are accessible both on the gustatory and financial levels.
The white is fine, airy, without excess generosity, with a beautiful energy brought by the clairette (30%). The red is a classic Châteauneuf, refined and silky, also focusing more on finesse and aromatic intensity than on power, in the spirit of Rayas.
The 2017 vintage in the press :
Vinous (J. Raynolds - December 2019): 93-94/100 "Glistening ruby-red. Expansive, oak-spiced black and blue fruit and candied lavender aromas show sharp delineation, and a hint of garrigue builds with air. Stains the palate with sappy cassis, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that smoothly blend richness and energy. Fine-grained tannins sneak in stealthily on an impressively long, penetrating finish that echoes the vanillaand the floral notes."