2017 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence

Domaine du Pegau Reserve is produced from 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 4% Mourvedre, Counoise and other varieties. While previously Cuvee Laurence was made from a specific barrel selection, today the wine is same blend as the Reserve except it has been aged in barrel for a longer period of time. The grapes are not destemmed, and the natural yeast fermentation is completed in traditional, cement vats before ageing in old, French oak barrels for an average of 40 months.
According to Laurence Feraud, the wine is aged to approximate what might happen with Pegau Reserve after ten years of aging. On average, close to 650 cases are produced each vintage of Domaine du Pegau Cuvee Laurence.
Black as night heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Wafting out of the glass are ripe heady scents of black raspberry, liquorice, blackberry and black cherry which meld into scorched earth, dried meats, hints of leather and pepper. Rich black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry fruits are backed by a muscular tannin structure. Notions of scorched earth, leather and peppered dried meats add a further nuance to the back palate. Dry, slightly grippy finish. Excellent power and concentration with a long robust aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.7%

Other Reviews….
Enveloping, warm and spicy nose with an extremely wide spectrum of aromas, ranging from dried rose to graphite via thyme and smoked bacon. Very powerful, concentrated and earthy, yet there’s brightness in there that makes it shine, Stunningly fine tannins power the super-long finish. Drink or hold.
97 points
JamesSuckling.com

I loved the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Laurence. It has a more classic style in its Provençal aromas and flavors of peppery herbs, garrigue, sandalwood, and charcuterie, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It’s a classic, complex, gorgeous wine in the making.
93-95 points
JebDunnuck.com