Jay Kline

9.3

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. — 6 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2020 | a baby boy wine, 24 Gr residual sugar. Mango in smell and taste, nice. — 3 years ago

Riccardo Vendrame

Sommelier/Writer

9.0

14,8% di Alcol
22 g/l zucchero residuo
6 g/l acidità totale

Pinot Grigio solidissimo
con potenziale di invecchiamento decennale
(berlo adesso é stato prematuro)
anche perché l'annata 2017 é definita la migliore dal dopoguerra in Alsazia.

L'alcol sovrasta nettamente la dolcezza che resta molto equilibrata.
Lunghezza e acidità danno solidità a un corpo contraddistinto da frutta matura a pasta gialla.

Grandissimo vino, ma da attendere ancora a lungo perché trovi un perfetto equilibrio. — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.3

[80% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon] Leather, forest floor, maybe a little Brett, excellent structure and depth, despite its age, seems like it can easily age another 10-15 years, long, lingering finish, excellent Madiran! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Jonathan Drummond

9.1

Not the blend….but the Laurence Reserve Cab Sav. Excellent. At the winery. — 2 years ago

with Allison

Jay Kline

9.3

One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 4 years ago

Rasmus Olsson

9.2

A beauty of a wine. After some air it’s fruity, vibrant and the acid is refreshingly delicate — 5 months ago

Stan Nguyen

9.0

A little thin. Reminiscent of that one Bichi rose. — 2 years ago

Daniel M

9.0

No notes, to go along arguably the best cassoulet in the region. Black fruits on the nose, a bit of leather too. Great acid drive and great width, nice tannins all along and fine tannins that kick in the rear before a nice and delicate finish. Great stuff and pairing made in heaven. — 2 years ago

Louis Martin

8.9

Strong tannins, hint of licorice. Pairs nicely with fatty cheese (especially a sharp cheddar). — 5 years ago