Among the most sought-after signatures of the Southern Rhône, the Cuvée Laurence 2018 from Domaine du Pegau unfurls a commanding intensity, marked by garrigue and mineral energy. A high-class Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it showcases a blend dominated by Grenache, patiently refined by an 4-year ageing in old oak foudres. The vintage's imprint reveals a sensual depth, aromas of candied dark fruits and clear spices, a hint of white pepper and the persistence of crushed stone. On the palate the material is both dense and radiant, supported by silky tannins and remarkable length. Designed for emotive dining as much as long-term ageing, this cuvée addresses aesthetes seeking a broad, structured wine that always carries its power with grace. Its distinction appears in the balance between ripeness and freshness, and in a finish that lingers like a musical theme subtly replayed. Praised by critics with 98/100 Wine Enthusiast, it is immediately placed among the great ageworthy wines, capable of evolving beautifully until 2037.

Assemblage et vinification

This cuvée, dominated by Grenache at about 80%, is supported by contributions of Syrah, Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties of the appellation to refine structure and relief. The harvest is hand-picked, following a traditional approach respectful of the raw material. After selection, maceration takes place in concrete tanks to preserve the integrity of the fruit and promote measured extraction, favouring depth and aromatic precision. The ageing, the signature of Cuvée Laurence, is lengthily extended in old oak foudres for about four years, a duration markedly longer than the estate's practice on other labels. This patient maturation smooths the tannins, complexifies the palette and sculpts a texture both velvety and firm, ready to dialogue with ambitious cuisine. The alcohol level, perfectly integrated, is set at 14.5%, contributing to the sensation of controlled warmth and amplitude.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance: Deep and dense, edged with dark highlights, promising a generous fruit core and concentrated character.
• Nose: Intense and seductive, opening on raspberry jam, ripe blackberry and black cherry, crossing a maquis of garrigue, suggesting white pepper and finishing on a mineral imprint of crushed stone.
• Palate: Powerful and concentrated, carried by a surprising luminosity. The structure is broad, earthy in the best sense, with fine tannins and a very long finish that stretches the spices and the sap of dark fruits.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve between 16 and 18°C in large glasses to allow the complexity of the aromas to open. Decanting for about an hour for a young bottle, or for a shorter time if the bottle already has some age, helps the spices bloom and the texture to become rounder. Store bottles on their side, away from light, in a cool, stable cellar. The remarkable cellaring potential extends until 2037 depending on development and the tasting style sought, from youthful fruit generosity to more complex tertiary nuances.

Food pairings

• Game and noble poultry: saddle of venison, roasted partridge, pigeon with a rich jus.
• Herb-crusted lamb from the garrigue: confit shoulder, roasted chops, thyme and rosemary jus.
• Duck and black cherry: a gourmand contrast with the fruit's sap and spicy depth.
• Truffle or mushroom dishes: creamy risotto, porcini ravioli, reduced jus.
• Mature cheeses: aged Comté, sheep's tomme, mature Brie, served at the right temperature.

Moments to enjoy

Cuvée Laurence 2018 is the natural companion for moments that demand texture, generosity and precision. It serenades hearty terroir cuisine and embodies a way of living that blends sharing and contemplation.

• To celebrate a gourmet dinner where seasonal cooking meets the nobility of a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• To offer as an exceptional gift to a knowledgeable enthusiast who appreciates long ageing and deep textures.
• To cellar and age, to explore its metamorphoses from sumptuous youthful fruit to gentle spices and blond tobacco at maturity.

Characteristics

• Name: Domaine du Pegau, Cuvée Laurence 2018
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type: Red wine, Fine wines
• Vintage: 2018
• Grape varieties: Grenache majority with Syrah, Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Vinification: hand-picked harvest, maceration in concrete tanks
• Ageing: about 4 years in old oak foudres
• Cellaring potential: until 2037
• Serving temperature: 16–18°C
• Distinction: 98/100 Wine Enthusiast