Tardieu Laurent des Grands Augustins VDP d'Oc 2000

[Thraz]

$12.60 at Spec's.

I could find no official information on this wine. The Tardieu Laurent site has vintages from 2001 on, and lists the Grands Augustins as syrah every vintage - but no info on 2000. I thought the 2000 did not taste like a 100% syrah, or even a 50%+ syrah - more like a Bordeaux-style merlot-dominated wine. Very nice nose, the fruit was definitely dark, maybe plummy. Also, a little "aged" fruit on the palate: not raisiny, more like a thick jam. Good length, well integrated tannins. Very good, I thought it definitely punched above its VDP eight. I will look for later vintages to compare, because as good as it was, I don't think the 2000 should be cellared for much longer - but if you find it, try it now, with the lack of info out there I would love to hear other points of view.

[Innkeeper]

Sounds like a great find though.

[Thraz]

I tried the 2001 tonight. Brrr. Not the same wine. I was hoping for a year-in, year-out QPR but this is not it. I can definitely believe the site that says this one is all-syrah, but it is very simplistic. A bit of forest floor on the nose, otherwise it feels too hot. No noticeable fruit, just overpowering heat and not-so-promising tannin. The bottle says 13.5%, I would have guessed more. At least I have three of the 2000 left. My first Tardieu-Laurent disappointment.