Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2011

Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2011

Famous for its full-bodied, seductive and spicy reds with flavor and aroma characteristics reminiscent of black cherry, baked raspberry, garrigue, olive tapenade, lavender and baking spice, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the leading sub-appellation of the southern Rhône River Valley. Large pebbles resembling river rocks, called “galets” in French, dominate most of the terrain. The stones hold heat and reflect it back up to the low-lying gobelet-trained vines. Though the galets are typical, they are not prominent in every vineyard. Chateau Rayas is the most obvious deviation with very sandy soil.

Critical Acclaim

94 Jeb Dunnuck

A solid 2011 that should surpass what the estate did in 2008 (which is no small thing), the 2011 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, tasted from multiple barrels, is a perfumed, spice filled offering that oozes sweet red fruits, pepper, garrigue, and licorice aromas and flavors. It is softly fruited and supple on the palate, yet has excellent mid-palate concentration, sound tannic structure, and outstanding length.

93 Wine Advocate

Beautiful in the vintage, the 2011 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Reservée is a forward, perfumed example of the cuvée that has classic Pégaü black fruits, tobacco leaf, pepper and leathery notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Early-drinking by this estate’s standards, there’s nevertheless good mid-palate density and fine tannin.

93 Wine Spectator

This shows an enticing bay leaf note, with juicy blackberry and black currant fruit up front, followed by melted licorice and a tarry edge on the finish, underscored by a roasted alder accent. Has the friendly, racy fruit of the vintage, with some distinct character to boot.

92 Vinous

Deep ruby. Ripe black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by potpourri, incense and licorice, with a smoky topnote. Sappy, focused dark berry and bitter cherry flavors are sharpened by juicy acidity and show very good depth. Lots of fruit here but there’s good structure as well. Finishes sweet and long, with velvety tannins adding shape. As with the ’12, there’s a degree of elegance to this wine and less of the wild edge of the Pegaus of a few vintages back.