Domaine de Pegau   Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence

2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence

By Domaine de Pegau

2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence from Domaine de Pegau, Rhone

Domaine de Pegau requires no introduction to the discerning lovers of Rhone wine. The 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence is deep, full-bodied and layered, an embodiment of Pegau's timeless craftmanship.

 

The Elegance of a Prestigious Vintage

The 2001 vintage in the Southern Rhone has been critically acclaimed for its refinement and subtlety. The 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence exhibits the elegant character of the vintage in spades. Boasting the heady perfume of ripe blackberries, red plums, truffles, and wilted roses against a backdrop of Provencal herbs, this fine example is seductively expressive on the nose.

The palate is a mélange of dark fruit flavours enveloped in silky tannins showcasing the nuanced ripeness that 2001 vintage is loved for; extracting optimal concentration balanced by an elegantly restrained power. It carries Pegau’s signature complexity and depth with aplomb.

 

A promising prospect for Investors

For wine investors, the maturing 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence constitutes a wise choice. This exceptional offering from Domaine de Pegau has the structure and concentration to age beautifully over the next decade, and beyond.

Such wines have historically delivered robust returns aligning perfectly with a successful fine wine investment strategy. With increasing demand for mature vintages, adding this particular Pegau to one's portfolio would certainly be an astute move.

 

The Pinnacle of Rhone Excellence

The 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Laurence epitomizes the vibrant typicity of the Rhone terroir and the depth of the cuvee’s grenache dominant backbone. It’s a symphony of sensory delight; from its bouquet that whispers seductive tales of brambly fruit, earth, and spice, to a palate that sings with a harmonious chorus of ripe tannins, crushed rocks, and an entrancing finish.

This stunning offering from Domaine de Pegau stands as one of the great vintages from this celebrated winery but also as a notable standout amongst 2001 vintages across the globe. Consider it more than a wine; it's a voyage through time, a testament to the enduring allure of Rhone wines, and a compelling investment opportunity wrapped in one tantalising bottle.

Market price (USD)

$1,490.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

81.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

In contrast, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence remains very youthful and less evolved than the 2004. The color is a healthy plum/garnet with slight lightening at the edge. Expansively flavored with abundant notes of garrigue, sandalwood, black cherries, licorice and herbs, this full-bodied wine possesses sweet tannins as well as emerging complexity. It should drink well for two more decades. It is my second favorite Cuvee Laurence, after the 1998. Always one of my favorite places to visit, Laurence Feraud and her father, Paul (a speed fanatic who raced in on a motorcycle during my visit), conducted a fascinating tasting in their cellars. As value hunters know, several of the low end offerings here are wonderful expressions of Provence that deserve to be taken seriously. Under the family’s negociant label, Selection Laurence Feraud, there are some noteworthy efforts that are well worth checking out. As for the Domaine du Pegau estate wines, I had not yet tasted the 2007 Cuvee Reservee or 2007 Cuvee da Capo from bottle, and when I did, they lived up to all my previous accolades. Here are some in-the-bottle reports on recent vintages of Domaine du Pegau’s Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, Cuvee Laurence and Cuvee da Capo. I have been buying the Cuvee Reservees since 1979 and the greatest examples include the 1981, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2003 and the 2007. Not that the other offerings are not high quality, but as Shakespeare said, “Comparisons are odious.” 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

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2010

Vintage performance