'A classic, benchmark estate for traditionally made wines' - The Wine Advocate

Laurence Féraud is one of our favourite Chateauneuf producers. Her vision, immense talent and boundless energy seem to provide endless drive to ensure a better future - not just for her own domaine but for the whole appellation - or even the entire southern Rhône.

For Laurence, 2012 was a very good year, the winter of 2011/12 a big factor: the early wet part replenished very depleted aquifers, which was to be essential in the hot summer months that followed. The latter part of the winter was very cold, enabling the vines to get a proper period of hibernation.

The resulting wines are excellent. Laurence says they are like 2010 for freshness with a bit more weight. There's no Cuvée da Capo in 2012, so all the fruit has gone into the Reservée. It has a bold, ripe nose, fabulous structure. Dense, intense, black fruit. It's big but elegant, mouth-coating and with melting tannins, almost Burgundian. Although this is going to be drinkable early, it should be good for twenty years. /CW

'As to the 2012s, while there will be no Cuvee da Capo in the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is a beauty. Tasted out of multiple barrels (all of which rated between 94 and 97), it should be a classic Pegau with aromatics similar to the 2010, yet not quite as much depth or richness. Full-bodied and nicely concentrated, all of the samples showed the freshness of the vintage, with ample mid-palate depth, high quality tannin and loads of character. It should benefit from short-term cellaring and have 15-20 years of longevity. Drink 2016-2032. 94-96 points.' - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, October 2013

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment 2014/15