Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve 1998 MG

Robert ParkerThe 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve showed the warmth and richness of the vintage, with knockout kirsch and blackberry fruit, garrigue, game and leather aromas and flavors that literally come jumping from the glass. Full-bodied, rich, textured and beautifully focused, if not still structured, it’s a rock-star to drink through 2020 or so. Created in 1987 (although there were some earlier bottling released) Domaine du Pegau is run today by the father/daughter team of Paul and Laurence Feraud. When setting up this retrospective, I was shocked when Laurence Feraud told me she had never done a vertical tasting like this. While I know they drink their older cuvees often, I think the idea of opening so many wines for one tasting could be seen as wasteful, and in reality, it is. However, it’s also incredibly educational, and as Laurence commented, shows the story of the domaine. I was thrilled to take part in this tasting, which also included Laurence’s parents, Paul and Odette.

Jeb DunnuckSporting awesome aromatics, the 1998 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée is filled with grilled herbs, blood, meat, leather and stunning, spicy Grenache fruit notes that literally come jumping out of the glass. The palate doesn't disappoint is smooth and integrated with full body, fantastic richness and superb length. This knockout wine is drinking at point and has at least 5 to 10 years to go.