Châteauneuf du Pape, Cuvée Laurence, 2013
An enticing, smokier tone to this than the 2013 Cuvee Reservee. Smouldering dark berry fruits with notes of cigar box. The texture is silky and the fruit lively but generous, flavours of Morello cherry and rock salt, hints of bramble. Sumptuous and free-flowing. Cuvee Laurence is the result of one cask of Cuvee Reserve being singled out by Laurence Feraud for extended ageing, which amounts to an extra two years in large oak foudres. This is only done in certain vintages. The blend is therefore the same as that of Cuvee Reservee, approximately 80% Grenache with the rest made up of Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise and a smattering of the other permitted varieties. Approximately 600 cases were made.
critic reviews
Full-bodied, rich and still somewhat tannic but approachable, the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence features hints of mocha and leather layered over dark, plummy fruit, meaty, savory notes and a bit of dried herb. It's full-bodied and velvety, with lingering astringency on the finish. While it might smooth out a bit in time, I suspect it will always remain tannic, so pair it with grilled meats that will benefit from such a partner.