2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence

The 2014 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Laurence is more upfront, forward, and charming, with voluptuous notes of garrigue, kirsch, blackberries, and flowers. It too is medium to full-bodied, has overflowing Provençal charm, light tannins, and an outstanding finish. It doesn’t have the concentration of the 2013, but it has more charm and upfront appeal. It should still age for 15-20 years.

In years in which there's no Cuvée da Capo, Feraud produces a Cuvée Laurence, which is similar to the Cuvée Reservée, but with extended aging (usually around four years) in foudre. The 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Laurence is the current release, bottled at the end of November 2018, and it's a beauty, marrying leather and cherry notes in a full-bodied but silky, easy-drinking format. A blend of 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 10% other varieties, it should drink well for at least decade.