Domaine de Pegau   Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence

2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence

By Domaine de Pegau

2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence from Domaine de Pegau, Rhone

The 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence from Domaine de Pegau is a compelling vintage worthy of the sophisticated wine investor's attention. This remarkable artisanal offering from the lauded Rhone region is an unequivocal testament to the unrivalled terroir and climatic rewards of this illustrious year.

 

Distinctive character of the 2009 bounty

Domanine de Pegau harvested a befitting reflection of an exceptional year where temperate conditions and ideal precipitation nurtured an abundant yield. The equanimity of the 2009 season facilitated exceptional grape maturity; resulting in a wine that captivates with its balance, intensity and longevity.

The 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence, predominantly Grenache supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and other regional varietals, demonstrates precise execution, presenting a bouquet filled with fragrant dark fruit, encrusted spice and underbrush, all leading to comprehensive palate layers that enthral one's senses.

 

Unfolding complexities of an age-worthy investment

Anablished on the wine estate's traditional vinification practices, the 2009 Cuvee Laurence unveils its unfold complexity over time. A quality that sets it apart from many contemporaries and renders it an exciting long-term hold for discerning investors. The vibrant acidity and tightly coiled tannins afford it enviable cellar potential, promising amplified enjoyment with patient aging.

The 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence from Domaine de Pegau shows an unmistakable tone of the Rhone - a symphony of concentrated red and black fruits, savoury undertones, deft spice interplay and that delightful minerality induced by the region's pebbly terroir.

 

An Investable Composition

As the curtain falls on the last hints of a thoroughly satisfying finish, one cannot help but applaud this exceptional performance of the 2009 vintage from Domaine de Pegau. This wine serves as a tangible testament to the essence of Rhone, offering an investment opportunity that echoes not only economic wisdom but renders an homage to the time-honoured traditions of its origin.

. The 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence is a wine nurtured by a year of climatic fortune, and presented through unabating passion and mastery, duly earns its mantle as one of the finest vintages from Domaine de Pegau.

Current market price

$1,330.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

44.44

Scores and tasting notes

98

Starting off the reds and easily the best example of this cuvee since the 2001, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence is incredible stuff. Deep, rich and layered, with copious notions of smoked meats, licorice, ground pepper, spice and saddle leather, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, terrific fruit intensity and a rich, mouth-coating texture. Hard to resist now, it should nevertheless have two decades of longevity. Drink now-2029. This classic, benchmark estate for traditionally made wines is run by the talented, no-nonsense Laurence Feraud and her father Paul. While I struggle to think of a bad vintage here, 2010 certainly has to rank near the top of the heap and both the Cuvee Reservee and Cuvee da Capo are truly stunning, world-class efforts. 2011 is strong here as well, and should be consumed while you wait on the 2010s to come around. The 2012s are more in the style of the 2010s, with slightly more reserved aromatics, solid purity and beautifully fresh profiles. They too should be more accessible in their youth than the 2010s. A new development for this estate is the roughly 100+ new acres of Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages that have been purchased just south of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, roughly 4 miles from the domaine. Formerly called Domaine de la Jouve, it lies just outside the town of Sorgues and borders the Rhone River on its western edge. Now called Chateau Pegau, the wines from here include a white Cotes du Rhone, the Cuvee Lone, a red Cotes du Rhone call Cuvee Maclure and a red Cotes du Rhone Villages called Cuvee Setier. Laurence’s negociant label is call Selection Laurence Feraud and consists of purchased grapes from throughout the Southern Rhone. They always show traditional characters and can represent solid values. 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

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2013

Vintage performance