Domaine du Pegau: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Regarded as the leading domaine for traditionally styled, age-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape in this large and prestigious appellation. Now run by Laurence Feraud who also makes the wines, Pegau’s vineyards consist of 11 parcels totaling 19 hectares among Châteauneuf’s best ‘terroirs’ including in ‘La Crau’.

For winemaking the grapes are lightly crushed and tipped into the vats (no de-stemming). The maceration and initial alcoholic fermentation last 15 days before the juice is run off and the must is pressed. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 18 months in old oak ‘foudres’ (large oval barrels), which are assembled together before bottling (without filtration) to obtain the uniform quality of the largest Cuvee called ‘Cuvée Réservée’.

In 1998 a special cuvee was created called ‘Cuvee du Capo’. Released only in the best vintages, mostly from a vineyard in the eastern sector of Châteauneuf at ‘La Crau’. Even though all thirteen authorized varietals are included in the blend, it is essentially 95% Grenache from very old vines producing around 6,000 bottles. The ‘Cuvée Laurence’ is produced in very good years when da Capo is not. Aged up to 36 months in a mixture of large foudres and small oak barrels (none new) this deeply rich cuvee cellars wonderfully and is a reminder of how great Chateauneuf was produced using extended elevage in the not-so-distant past.

2009 Plan Pegau “lot 2009”                      stelvin closure

“A nicely plump, slightly beefy-styled red, offering plum, toast and tobacco notes that mingle through the open-knit finish. Drink now. 87” Wine Spectator October 2010

2008 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret “selection Laurence Feraud”           stelvin closure

“A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the screw cap bottled 2008 Sélectionné par Laurence Féraud Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret shows complex, earthy aromatics of underbrush, sage, lavender, and baking spices wrapped around red berry like fruit. Medium bodied with a light yet savory texture, bright acidity, and a chewy finish, this is a delicious wine to drink over the next 2 to 4 years. 87 pts” TheRhoneReport.com August 2010

2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc and 10% Roussanne.

“Pale yellow. Bright, mineral-driven aromas of Meyer lemon, orange and pear. Racy and finely focused, with clean citrus and orchard fruit flavors and an undercurrent of gently musky herbs. The mineral note recurs on the long, tangy finish.” 89 pts  Stephen Tanzer Jan 10

2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

“the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, which was harvested very late is a strong effort for the vintage. Tasting through four separate lots revealed that this wine should turn out as well as their 2004 or 2006. Plenty of pepper, roasted Provencal herb, lavender, licorice, and black fruit characteristics are present in this medium to full-bodied effort that is loaded with fruit. It should be surprisingly accessible for a wine from this estate in its exuberant youth, and is capable of lasting for 10-15 years, an unusually long time for a 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape.” 89-92pts The Wine Advocate # 185 October 2009 R. Parker

2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

“The 2006 Cuvee Reservee was tasted from multiple foudres, and appears to be better than the 2005 and 2004. The 2006 exhibits gamy, meaty, new saddle leather, kirsch liqueur, black currant, pepper, lavender, and spice notes. The wine is full-bodied, rich, deep, and long.” 92-94pts The Wine Advocate # 179 Oct 2008 Robert Parker

2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvée Laurence’

“The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence appears to be the finest example of this wine since the 1998. Wonderfully rich, concentrated notes of roasted Provencal herbs, jammy black cherries, new saddle leather, and loamy soil are present in this stunningly rich, full-bodied wine. With excellent concentration, moderate tannin, and fabulous length as well as intensity, it should be released in 2009-2010, and will keep for 20-25 years.” 95-97 points The Wine Advocate # 179 October 2008 R. Parker