Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence 2012 1.5L Magnum

The 2012 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a sophisticated, traditional, and beautifully aged French red wine displaying magnificent maturity and complex layers. Patiently matured for approximately four years in traditional oak foudres before bottling, it pours a deep garnet-ruby color in the glass. The nose lifts with an incredibly expressive bouquet of ripe cherries, dark plums, and apricots, seamlessly layered with complex tertiary aromas of saddle leather, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and dried garrigue herbs. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is opulent, supple, and concentrated, delivering a velvety texture packed with flavors of black cherry liqueur, clove, and ground pepper. Balanced by a fine, savory acidity and integrated, dense tannins, it transitions into an expansive, legendary finish marked by warm baking spices and earthy underbush.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with rich game dishes, slow-cooked beef stews, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, wild boar ragù, truffle omelettes, and mature cheeses like Stilton or aged Gouda.

96 Points - Wine Advocate

Previously unreviewed by The Wine Advocate, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Laurence is 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and the balance a mix of other authorized varieties. After approximately four years in foudre, it shows intense scents of leather, cherries, apricots and cocoa. It's full-bodied and supple, approachable now but capable of aging for up to two decades. It's a terrific example of this cuvée and how Grenache can benefit from extended élevage.

96 Points - Wine Spectator

 A throwback style and proud of it, with warm chestnut and bay leaf notes taking the lead, followed quickly by worn leather and smoldering tobacco accents. The core of dark currant, warmed cherry and mulled blackberry lies in reserve for now, while the finish lets singed iron and brick dust details hold sway. Just wait for everything to pull together in the cellar.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Pegau's Cuvée Laurence is aged in wood for longer than the Cuvée Resérvée, but is otherwise nearly identical. The 2012 version is full-bodied, dense and richly textured, redolent of liniment, horse tack and garrigue, yet backed by ample cherry and plum fruit.