2016 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee [JD98][WE97][WS96][WA95][V94]

Producer: Domaine du Pegau 
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France  
Blend: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre 
Year: 2016 

Jeb Dunnuck, 98 Points 

"Reminding me of a fresher version of the 2003, the 2016 Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Reservée is another magical wine from Laurence Feraud that could come from nowhere else. I still remember tasting (and loving) this beauty from barrel. It doesn’t quite have the sheer over-the-top decadence of the 2003, but it does have more elegance, while not giving up an inch with regard to texture and opulence. Dark ruby/plum-hued with a monster display of Provençal goodness in its garrigue, lavender, violets, kirsch, plums, and Asian spices, this full-throttle, ripe, sexy Châteauneuf du Pape has silky tannins, flawless balance, and a heavenly texture. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink well for at least 20-25 years." 

Wine Enthusiast, 97 Points 

"Inflections of violet and rose petal mingle into crushed earth and dried mushroom in this deeply complex red. Black cherry and black-currant flavors are profoundly ripe but muted by shades of leather, fur and garrigue. A nuanced, deeply satisfying wine, it offers both concentrated ripeness and old-world restraint." 

Wine Spectator, 96 Points 

"A singed chestnut accent leads off here, followed by a sappy core of steeped cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, infused liberally with tobacco, brick dust and garrigue notes. Reveals a brawny edge, but there’s ample fruit in the end. A rock-solid old-school style that should cruise in the cellar." 

Wine Advocate, 95 Points 

"Every year that I've tried the 2016 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée, I've liked it better than the year before, so I've gone ahead and peremptorily added the + sign to this year's rating. Black cherries and licorice pick up a hint of chocolate in this full-bodied, rich, velvety wine that should evolve nicely for at least 12-15 years." 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"Deep ruby. Assertive aromas of black raspberry, potpourri and spicecake pick up a bright mineral nuance and a hint of cured meat with air. Juicy and impressively concentrated, showing real energy and spicy lift to the sappy red berry, bitter cherry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors. Fine-grained tannins build on the finish, adding shape and grip to lingering, spice-accented raspberry liqueur, smoked meat and licorice flavors." 

Alcohol: 14% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.