Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Reserve 2018

Critical Acclaim: 94 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck; Decanter 92 pts.

About the wine: The flagship of the Domaine du Pegau, the Cuvée Réservée represents the Domaine over the years. A blend of 13 grape varieties, mainly Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the Cuvée Réservée reveals the typical characteristics of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape soils.  This wine should be able to age from 5 to 20 years.

Tasting Notes: "Don't discount the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée based on overall perceptions of the vintage; Laurence Feraud claims it reminds her of the 2014, which savvy consumers will know was one of the appellation's standouts that year. Violets and garrigue appear on the nose, joined by cherries and raspberries. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, silky and tannic, but the tannins are ripe and not overly prominent. It may need another year or two to soften but should then drink well for a decade or more."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

"The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée is a total charmer and already impossible to resist. Lots of red and black fruits, ground pepper, saddle leather, and spicy, floral notes define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a lush, round mouthfeel, beautiful elegance, and outstanding length. It doesn’t have the concentration or depth of a truly great Pégau, but it’s one heck of a great drink today. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years or so."- Jeb Dunnuck.

"This has a good sense of liveliness with a little spicy vein adding to its fresh demeanour. It’s really drinkable and precise, with good tannic relief to the texture and it’s well balanced offering a good length on the finish. A success in a tricky vintage, really aided by the stems. Tannic for now so give it time. Grown on varied lieux-dits around the appellation on a mix of soils, this is fermented in concrete then aged for 24 months in foudre. Drinking Window: 2023-2029."- Decanter. 

Pairing and Serving Suggestions:  Red grilled meat, lamb shoulder with thyme and dishes of tapas and curry, serve at 60°F.

Varietal: A blend of 13 grape varieties: mainly Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.