Gabriel Meffre Laurus 2023 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 91/100

Gabriel Meffre Laurus Côtes du Rhône-Villages A.O.P. is a dry, medium to full-bodied vegan-friendly blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, opening with a richly aromatic nose of blackberry jam, star anise, juniper, garrigue, and a thread of tobacco and warm earth that speaks unmistakably of the southern Rhône. On the palate it is supple and generously textured, with controlled tannins, lively acidity, and a long, savoury finish of dark fruit, dried sage, and a whisper of black olive that lingers with real southern French character. Serve at room temperature and enjoy from 2026 through 2032. The Maison Gabriel Meffre oenology team crafts this wine after a long three-week maceration, then ages approximately 55% of the blend for 14 months in specially made 275-litre French oak barrels cut from the prestigious Bertranges forest, with the remainder kept in tank to preserve freshness. The house was founded in 1936 by Gabriel Meffre, a visionary négociant-vigneron who began with a single parcel in Gigondas and over the following decades built what became France's largest producer of AOC wines, amassing over 800 hectares across the Rhône Valley. The Laurus range takes its name from the Latin word for laurel, the ancient Roman symbol of excellence, a fitting tribute to a wine crafted to show the very best of each terroir from which it is sourced. Pair it with a slow-braised lamb stew with olives and root vegetables, where the wine's savoury depth and earthy garrigue notes will weave into every fragrant spoonful, or serve it alongside rare roast beef with a red wine jus, letting the wine's dark fruit and firm structure rise to meet the richness of the meat.

Food pairings: rare roast beef, lamb stew, fricassee rabbit.

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Natalie MacLean reviewed this Gabriel Meffre Laurus 2023 for the Vintages release of April 28, 2026.

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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