Cuvée Laurence Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a garnet color with a transparent core and showing some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits: lightly stewed Bing cherry, strawberry, some funky horse blanket, red flowers, leather, green herbs, dry rocky earth and old wood. There was also a little bit of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and freaking delicious. The alcohol seems a little elevated.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Sangiovese, Grenache (or based blend), Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir from Italy, France, or Spain. Because there was some light staining, I eliminated Nebbiolo and because the structure was so stout, I also eliminated Pinot Noir. I just felt like this reminded me of a Chianti Classico Riserva with a lot of age…from a producer like Felsina. So, that’s where I’m at for my final: Sangiovese, from Italy, Toscano, Chianti Classico, Riserva with 25+ years of age; call it 1995 since I have some reference there. Daaaaaymn!!!! 2014 Cuvée Laurence?! This tastes more mature (not too old or anything) than a recent 2014 Cuvée Réservée but maybe that’s due to the extra year in foudre? I got caught in the “triangle of death” but should have clued into the elevated alcohol a little better. Regardless…this is delicious. The structure is incredible! Drink now with patience and through 2039.

Popped and poured but not something I would recommend. The 2017 Cuvée Réservée benefited from some time in the decanter and the Cuvée Laurence would enjoy the same. However, a decanter we had not; nor was the setting appropriate. And while I wouldn’t have described this as shy upon opening, it certainly went from strength to strength with exposure to air and by the last glass, this was sensational. Beautiful dark bramble fruit, salmiakki, black pepper, red flowers, bacon fat, garrigue, old wood, and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long lasting and ever so sexy. As a reminder, no “Cuvee da Capo” was made in 2017 so there’s no wonder why this is special. Drink now through 2042.

Quite soft and plush. Plum fruit, violets. Medium bodied and quite refined.

Reticent on the nose after a short decant this led deep cassis and smokey, shroomey and gamey meat. Grenache-driven cherry. So pure. Would love to see this in 5-10 years.

It's Pegau! What can I say? Garrigue, dried red fruit, complexity and love.....

Very Pegau in style. Lots of garrigue and dried plum. I would prefer to drink this a few years ago or let sit for another 5+ years to fully develop the complement of terschiary flavors and aromas. This will last... high acid for sure

Difficult to evaluate due to a disappointing amount of Brett. Blend of 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah, and 4% Mourvedre, Counoise and other varieties all whole cluster fermented. Named after Laurence Feraud who runs the property along with her father Paul. 14.5% ABV.

Dark reddish tawny, almost opaque. Nose gives you a wake up. Notes of kirsch, black fruit, pencil lead, pepper and some plum. Rich in the mouth. The wine expands. Gives a little heat. Tart finish. Maybe it gets better with some more age but certainly creates a conversation today.

Barn YARD - almost like a burg

Holy crap that's good. In a related note I think I missed my calling as a wine writer