2016 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Da Capo

Grapes for Domaine du Pegau Cuvee da Capo come from the oldest on the property, most over 100 years of age. The blend today is approximately 70% Grenache, along with Syrah and Mourvedre, with the remainder from the various other red grapes that are allowed to be planted in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. As a tiny 500 case per year production, Cuvee da Capo is one of the most expensive and in demand wines in the entire Rhone appellation.
Dense black as night colour with a deep dark red black hue. Potent ripe black cherry, liquorice, blackberry and black raspberry scents waft through the olfactory senses complexed by elements of scorched earth, hints of new leather, dried herbs and peppered meats. The monster sized palate is epically rich and boasts an out of this world level of concentration with decadent black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits completely saturating every corner of the mouth. A firm robust tannin structure imparts some chewiness to what is otherwise an opulent textural feel. Elements of scorched earth, dried herbs, infusions of incense, spicy dried meats and pepper chime in on the back half. Incredibly expansive and powerful with a finish that lingers on the palate for minutes.
Drink over the next 10-15 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews....
As impressive as the Cuvée Réservée is, the 2016 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée da Capo brings an extra level of intensity. Turn that volume up to 11 or even 12. Waves of black cherries, plums and chocolate wash across the full-bodied, velvety palate, lingering nearly forever on the finish. As big and bold as it is, it remains breathtakingly elegant and fine. It should evolve gracefully through at least 2040. Drink 2022-2040.
99 points
Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

I was also able to taste the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Da Capo, which comes mostly from older vines in the La Crau lieu-dit and spends an additional year in a large foudre. The 2016 vintage was truly magical for the region, and this Cuvée Da Capo is unquestionably one of the finest vintages for this cuvée ever made, in the same league as, if not surpassing, the 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2010. Sensational notes of cured meats, crème de cassis, crushed violets, ground pepper, tapenade, truffle, and sweet herbes de Provence all soar from the glass and it hits the palate with a massive, full-bodied style that stays seamless, weightless, and as pure as they come. Traditional, classic Châteauneuf Du Pape doesn’t get better. I hate to be the guy who throws out the “best to date” line very often, but this is truly magical stuff. Drink 2023-2048.
100 points
JebDunnuck.com

Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry, cherry preserve and licorice aromas are complemented by hints of game, exotic spices and candied lavender. Deep, sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed raspberry, cola and floral pastille flavors and a strong suggestion of spicecake. Shows superb clarity and power on a ridiculously long, sappy finish that eventually leaves behind cherry liqueur and bitter chocolate notes.
97 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous (Dec 2019)