Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve 2016

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: Domaine du Pegau

Country: France     Region: Southern Rhone

District: Chateauneuf du Pape

Grapes Varieties: 80% Grenache,10% Other Permitted Varieties,6% Syrah,4% Mourvèdre

Classification:      Production: 5400 Cases

Alcohol: 14% abv     Packing: Original Carton of 12 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

WS=96 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. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2021 through 2040.

WA=95+ 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 liquorice pick up a hint of chocolate in this full-bodied, rich, velvety wine that should evolve nicely for at least 12-15 years.

AG=94 Deep ruby. Assertive aromas of black raspberry, potpourri and spice cake 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, spice cake and floral pastille flavours. Fine-grained tannins build on the finish, adding shape and grip to a lingering, spice-accented raspberry liqueur, smoked meat and liquorice flavours.