2021 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee [JS95][WA92-94][V92-94]

"Scents of leather, violets, cherries and strawberries mark the nose of the 2021 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée, tasted as a representative assemblage from several foudres. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky but firm, with a long, slightly tannic finish. As always when visiting Laurence Feraud, there are multiple cuvées and appellations to sample. In this write-up, I've concentrated on the home estate's wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, but readers shouldn't overlook the Côte du Rhône wines from the sister property, Château du Pegau, the négociant offerings under the Selection Laurence Feraud label, or her children's (Justine and Maxim) newly acquired, certified organic estate, Domaine Porte Rouge. According to Feraud, with 2021, "We're back to an old style of vintage. For me, Châteauneuf du Pape is spicy, a bit rustic but not a big, fat, jammy wine."" 

"Luckily, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée didn’t show any of the signs of reduction that it did when I first tasted it from barrel last year. Although not cruising at the same level as the two surrounding vintages, the 2021 offers a distinctively elegant character marked by garrigue, red/black cherry and undertones of meat and herbs. Round tannins gently structure this medium-bodied Cuvée Réservée that wraps up with a savory finish."