2009 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

Even though technology has invaded many wineries in the Rhone, Laurence Feraud and her father Paul, of Domaine Pegau have earned a reputation as "Traditionalists". The Cuvee Reservee is an illustration of just this stance. Hand harvest with sorting, no destemming and the different varietals of the cuvee co fermented together by indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks without temperature control.

Even though Laurence Feraud's influence on the estate is increasingly palpable, there is no doubt that Paul stays as the inspiration for everything that happens in the vineyards and winery. All up, it makes for a winning father and daughter team that Chateauneuf fans can embrace.

Opaque black dark crimson red colour with deep dark crimson red hue. The nose possesses outstanding intensity with perfumed aromas of dark raspberry intermixed with leather, a hint of liquorice, dried meats and spice. Rich opulent flavours of black raspberry and liquorice with an overlay of smoky dried meats followed by some leathery characters and spice on the back palate. Fine grained but firmly structured tannins. Excellent length with long black cherry, liquorice, smoked meats and spicy leather aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years (2017-2018).
Alc 14.0%

Other Reviews….
as compelling as I thought it would be after tasting it last year. A blend of 85% Grenache with the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and small dollops of the other authorized varietals, this wine tends to come from the estate’s holdings in the eastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape. The opaque purple-colored 2009 exhibits magnificent, rich berry fruit intertwined with cedar, Christmas fruitcake, licorice, charcuterie, roasted meats, smoked duck, kirsch, blackberries and god knows what else. It is an amazingly complex, rich, full-throttle wine that reminds me somewhat of what the 1990 tasted like in 1994/1995. It is a magnificent Chateauneuf du Pape. If you are looking for the garrigue component, it’s also there.
98 points
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #203 Oct 2012