Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2020 750ml

I was even more impressed by the 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée than the 2019. Boasting crazily complex floral scents, garrigue, raspberries and cherries, this is one incredibly perfumed example of Pegau. Medium to full-bodied, silky, elegant and long, this is quintessential Pegau. Barrel Sample: 96-98

A layered and well-balanced Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of wild berries, dried herbs, leather, roasted meat and stones. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Lots of layers and poise with a restrained character on the palate, despite the generous nature of the vintage. Complex and velvety with lots of cherry character and dried herbs towards the finish. Funnelled and structured with great focus and length.

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée, which was tasted from multiple foudres, is solid as well, with the more elegant style of the vintage as well as classic Pégau goodness. Lots of peppery herbs, leather, Provençal spice, and some meaty notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied and balanced on the palate, with lots of classic Pégau style and flair. Barrel Sample: 93-95

Decidedly stemmy, this has lots of white pepper and a slightly vegetal note. Full-bodied, very savoury, this ends on fibrous stems - they're not very well-integrated yet, but they rarely are at this stage; give it time. Good purity and freshness of fruit, however, with juicy raspberry and plum, which helps to smooth over the stems. Very fresh, good acidity, moderate alcohol - this could be a great Pegau in time. The remaining 10% of the blend contains a further 10 minor Châteauneuf varieties. Whole-bunch fermented in concrete, aged in old foudres. Barrel Sample: 94