Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence 2021

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Established in 1987, French Domaine du Pegau is owned by the Feraud family, which boasts a long winemaking tradition dating back to the 17th century. After a period of expansion and growth, in 2012, the Feraud family also acquired approximately 41 hectares of vineyards, not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhône Valley, establishing Château Pegau. The name ‘pegau‘ refers to a terracotta vessel used for wine in the 14th century. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a blend of mostly Grenache, with minor additions of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other local varieties. The grapes are sourced from vineyards planted on soils composed of a mixture of clay and limestone, with iron, sand, and pebbles on the surface. After manual harvesting, the different varietals are fermented together in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then ages in large oak barrels for a period of four years. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense garnet color and a broad, complex aromatic profile that alternates fruity aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrub, undergrowth, spice, and leather. On the palate, it is round, distinctive, and layered with velvety tannins and an elegant complexity of flavors. The finish is long and slightly spicy. It is a wine that can be cellared for over a decade or enjoyed immediately with grilled lamb chops.