2016 Coudert, Clos de la Roilette, Fleurie, Cuvee Tardive

Alain Coudert’s approach at Clos de la Roilette centers on the preservation of old-vine Gamay, some exceeding eighty years, farmed via *lutte raisonnée* to ensure the integrity of the soil. The Cuvée Tardive is sourced from specific parcels heavily influenced by clay and manganese-rich earth at the border of the Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent appellations, a site that fundamentally diverges from the typical granite-heavy profile of the region. Winemaking remains strictly traditional, utilizing whole-cluster fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete vessels, followed by extended élevage in old *foudre* to develop the wine's characteristic density. The 2016 growing season, marked by significant climatic challenges including severe hail, ultimately yielded a vintage of marked structural tension and nerve. This results in a Gamay defined by its firm, fine-grained tannins and intense mineral core, prioritizing ageworthy architecture over immediate accessibility.