Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve 2010

Robert ParkerComposed of 80% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre and 4% miscellaneous varietals, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol, which is slightly lower than the 2009. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with wonderful sweetness and lots of roasted meat characteristics intermixed with notions of herbs, forest floor, kirsch and black fruits. The tannins are surprisingly soft, the wine has great intensity and a blacker fruit profile than even the 2009. It looks to be another superb effort that should slightly eclipse the 2009. Like the 1989 and 1990 Cuvee Reservees, it may be impossible to pick a favorite between the 2010 and 2009. As I recall, Paul has always favored the 1990, Laurence the 1989.

Jeb DunnuckMore straight and clean, yet with rocking concentration and tannic structure, the 2010 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée is a beauty! Scheduled to be bottled later this year, it delivers classic aromas of black fruits, mineral, iron, and wild herb qualities on the nose, and what it lacks (at the moment) in complexity, it more than makes up for with brilliant purity, clear, delineated aromas, and awesome focus and length. This full-bodied, rich, and layered 2010 will handsomely reward cellaring, and drink well for decades. It is one of the most impressive Cuvée Réservées I’ve tasted.