2005 Domaine du Pégaü "Cuvée Reservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1084748 95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep ruby. Seductive dark berry and kirsch aromas are complicated by musky garrigue, black olive and dark chocolate. Dense blackberry and bitter cherry flavors stain the palate and develop a licorice character with air. Tightens up on the long, chewy finish, which is dominated by tangy red berry fruit. This hugely concentrated wine deftly combines liveliness and power. (2/ 2008)

94 points Wine Spectator

Shows gutsy blackberry and fig fruit up front, with notes of pepper, licorice, Turkish coffee and garrigue. The superlong finish lets roasted herb and beef notes check in, while gaining even more depth as this airs. Not quite as much range as 2003 and 2004, but has the intense grip of the vintage and should cruise in the cellar for two decades. Best from 2009 through 2028. (6/ 2008)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (normally a blend of approximately 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre) exhibits a deep ruby/plum/garnet hue along with lots of grilled meat juices, roasted Provencal herbs, tar, blackberries and black currants. The wine is medium to full-bodied, still firm and tannic. It is those tannins that make the 2005 somewhat reminiscent of a tight, more austere-styled vintage such as 1995. The 2005 needs at least another 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last for 20 years or more. (10/ 2010)