2010 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.

Laurence Feraud's influence on the estate is increasingly palpable, however 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. Possessing excellent intensity the nose presents an alluring bouquet of black raspberry, liquorice and lavender overlaid by some leathery characters finishing with some earth and spice end notes. Full bodied the palate is filled with rich black cherry and liquorice flavours with a smoky dried meats overlay followed by some leather and blackpepper on the back palate. Dry finish with a chewy mouthfeel and solid firmish tannin structure all in balance. Long black cherry, liquorice, smoky dried meats, leather and blackpepper aftertaste.
Cellar 8-10 years (2021-2023)
Alc 14.0%

Other Reviews….
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, which I tasted from several foudres, is essentially equivalent in quality, but it has not yet been bottled. If I understood Paul Feraud correctly, he tends to prefer the 2009, but says Laurence prefers the 2010. In any event, this is one of those “pick’em” dilemmas. The 2010 is a fabulous wine of exceptional intensity, tremendous flavor authority and full-bodied power. It is slightly more reserved than the more flamboyant 2009, but of course it is still in foudre. Very rich with lots of Provencal herb, smoky, meaty, kirsch, black currant and blackberry notes, it is a stunningly viscous, thick and rich effort with a slightly more vibrant finish. This magnificent Chateauneuf du Pape should age for three decades or more based on how well the 1989 and 1990 are maturing.
96-98+ points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate


Intense, with the tarry, bittersweet cocoa–fueled grip of the vintage running through a well-endowed core of crushed plum, blackberry paste and braised fig. The muscular finish picks up notes of brick dust, pepper, warm chestnut leaf and smoldering charcoal. A throwback profile, with a hyperripe core of fruit—and it works. Best from 2015 through 2035.
97 points
Wine Spectator