2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence

The 2004 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a spicy, complex wine that is packed with garrigue, violets, leather, tobacco and meaty aromas that are supported by licorice infused cassis and blackberry fruit. Full bodied on the palate with rich fruit, a great texture and plenty of length to finish, this shows a more evolved character than the Cuvée Réservée and I’d suggest drinking these over the next 10 years.

Bright red. Impressively complex, exotic bouquet of dark berries, anise, botanical herbs and potpourri. Zesty minerality adds urgency to the deep blackberry and blueberry flavors, with a late kick of cracked pepper adding verve. The floral quality repeats on the long, sappy finish. Incidentally, Paul Feraud told me the Cuvee Laurence was never intended to be a super-cuvee, but rather a wine of extended elevage that he envisioned being better suited for early consumption.

More evolved, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence gives up copious kirsch, saddle leather, exotic spice and underbrush in its medium to full-bodied, supple and nicely textured profile. A similar blend to the Cuvee Reservee, yet with additional time in older barrels, it is at full maturity, yet should evolve gracefully for another decade. Feb 2014, www.robertparker.com