2003 Domaine du Pégaü "Cuvée Reservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

98 points Robert Parker: "The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee stands out as one of the all-time great wines made by Laurence Feraud and her father, Paul. I remember first tasting it from a large tank as it was still fermenting and it was already impressive! It is a full-bodied, powerful wine that must tip the scales at close to 15.5% natural alcohol. I don’t think this big, chewy, voluptuously textured wine will ever close down. Dark plum/garnet with the classic Provencal display of garrigue, lavender, pepper, kirsch and Asian plum sauce, this full-throttle wine has splendid concentration, silky tannins, and a very voluptuous texture. It should continue to drink well for another 25 years." (10/10) 97 points and #5 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2006: "Offers aromas of freshly crushed plum and blackberry with a Port-like headiness, then pumps out dark berry fruit, bramble, licorice, tar and pain d'épices flavors before a flitter of game and garrigue on the finish. Dense and muscular, but also luxurious. Best from 2008 through 2030." (06/06) 94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep red. Strikingly complex nose offers powerful scents of red berries, spicecake, cured meat and potpourri. Velvety red berry and kirsch flavors stain the palate, picking pick up candied lavender and fruitcake nuances with air. The spiciness builds on the finish, which echoes the cherry note.." (12/08)