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Domaine du Vieux Relais

Domaine du Vieux Relais is located near the village of Redessan, in the northern part of the Costières de Nimes, and so is not all that far from Avignon and the appellations of the southern Rhone. The area covered by the Costières de Nimes appellation actually comes under the same administration as the southern Rhone, but from a vinous point of view it is generally considered along with the rest of the Languedoc. Domaine du Vieux Relais, run by Pierre Bardin, is one of the top estates of the appellation. Bardin has a mind to quality, and has persisted with Mourvèdre despite it being deserted by many of his neighbours in favour of less problematic varieties. Bardin finds that it copes well of his small plot of 2 hectares, which consists of stony soils over clay. He works the vineyards by hand, pruning into a traditional gobelet style, and reducing yields to 40 hl/ha.

He produces just two cuvees, a Cuvée Selection and a Cuvée Tradition. The former is a blend of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache, is produced only when the vintage conditions permit, and sees no wood. The latter is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. (29/3/04)

Contact details:
Address: 30129 Redessan
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 66 20 07 69

Domaine du Vieux Relais - Tasting Notes

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Domaine du Vieux Relais Costières de Nimes Cuvée Tradition 2000: A 50/50 blend of Syrah and Grenache. A moderate depth of colour at best, with an oxblood hue. A sweet, herby, cherry, raspberry and blackberry nose, which is largely thanks to the Grenache in this blend. On the lighter side of medium bodied on the palate, with more sweet herby fruit, slightly dry, chalky tannins and decent acidity. A touch rustic. A pleasant, old-style everyday drinker. 15/20 (March 2004) Label