2018 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve

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 and hand 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 on 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.

Domaine du Pegau Reserve is produced from 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 4% Mourvedre, Counoise and other varieties. The grapes are not destemmed, and the natural yeast fermentation is completed in traditional, cement vats before ageing an average of 24 months in old foudres.

Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Amply powered scents of black raspberry and liquorice are tied to scorched earth, dried herb, leather, spice and peppered meat notes. Striking black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice flavours are delivered with both weight and intensity as they morph into dried meat, scorched earth and peppered Provincial herb elements on the back half. Polished yet ripe and chewy, the tannins provide a sturdy structure. Excellent power, the long rich, black fruited conclusion complexed by earthy leather characters.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Brilliant ruby. Smoky, mineral-tinged aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves, garrigue and exotic spices show excellent clarity and acquire a gamy nuance as the wine opens up. At once rich and energetic in character, offering well-concentrated red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a sweetening touch of candied lavender. Shows fine definition and finishes gently, spicy and impressively long, with repeating florality and steadily building tannins. Drink 2025 - 2035.
95 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

The 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée is full-bodied but quite approachable and easy to drink, loaded with black cherries and plummy fruit and tinged with licorice. A blend of 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 10% other permitted varieties, it finishes long and silky. Drink 2020-2030.
92-95 points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Grown on varied lieux-dits around the appellation on a mix of soils, this was fermented in concrete then aged for 24 months in foudre. All whole bunch, which is evidenced by the pleasantly stemmy aromatics. Very full-bodied and concentrated, savoury despite the oak, with bay leaf and thyme. Very tannic, quite hard on the palate in fact. It's well balanced despite the alcohol, thanks to its concentration and intensity. It's an outlying style due to its darkness, hardness and brooding character. It will be fantastic in time however. But wait. Drinking Window 2026 - 2037.
96 points
Decanter