2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The late-released 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence, which tips the scales at 15.2% alcohol, is a big, gamy, earthy, complex effort that is far superior to the 2004 Cuvee Laurence. Deep and full-bodied with some amber at the edge of its color as this cuvee spends a much longer time in old barrels, it exhibits abundant amounts of garrigue, figs, cedar, licorice, black currants and black cherries. This fragrant, full-throttle wine should drink well for another 10-15 years. Readers should keep in mind that this is always a more evolved style because of its elevage. One of the bastions of traditionalism in Chateauneuf du Pape is Domaine de Pegau, long owned by the Feraud family, and now run by the charming, talented Laurence, who was exceptionally well-schooled by her father, Paul. This nearly 50-acre estate fashions some of the longest-lived, most interesting wines of the appellation. The success they have enjoyed with their estate wines has allowed the Ferauds to branch out with a small negociant operation that includes selections Laurence makes through her contacts in the southern Rhone as well as wines she co-producers with another Chateauneuf du Pape name well-known for high quality, Andre Brunel. Importers: Dan Kravitz, Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347-9400; Martine’s Wine, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400; and J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 393-4441
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Perfumed, evolved, and complex, the 2006 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a blend of roughly 85% Grenache, with the rest a mix of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Cinsault, and Vaccarèse, that undergoes an extended aging of 3-4 years in a combination of small barrels and large foudres. The wine is surprisingly evolved and already open for business, showing a nuanced bouquet of sweet cassis, aged leather, meat, licorice, and garrigue. This leads to a medium to full bodied wine that is all about charm and comfort, showing a round, soft texture, sweet fruit, and an overall approachable, open profile. While this firms up slightly on the finish, and will no doubt evolve and drink well for a decade or longer, I don’t see any reason to hold off on drinking these. No getting around it however, 2006 is not my favorite vintage from this estate, and at the price, this does not represent value.
Bright ruby. Slightly medicinal aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and garrigue are lifted by a spicy element. Supple, sweet red berry, cherry and floral flavors show very good concentration, and firm acidity gives the wine energy. Lively, mineral-driven floral notes linger on a strikingly long, sappy precise finish.
Bright red. Spicy red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by garrigue and smoky minerals. Pliant red and dark berry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins and gain sweetness with air. Seductively complex already, with superb finishing cling. I prefer the Cuvee Reservee today as I find it a bit more energetic.
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry