2010 Domaine du Pégaü "Cuvée Réservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1090324 96-98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 is a fabulous wine of exceptional intensity, tremendous flavor authority and full-bodied power. It is slightly more reserved than the more flamboyant 2009, but of course it is still in foudre. Very rich with lots of Provencal herb, smoky, meaty, kirsch, black currant and blackberry notes, it is a stunningly viscous, thick and rich effort with a slightly more vibrant finish. This magnificent Chateauneuf du Pape should age for three decades or more based on how well the 1989 and 1990 are maturing. (Tasted from foudres) (10/ 2012)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep ruby. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dried cherry, cassis, potpourri and smoked meat, with a spicy nuance adding vivacity. Rich but energetic on the palate, offering sweet dark fruit flavors and notes of candied lavender and anise. Chewy tannins add grip to a long, smoky and powerful finish, which leaves a bitter cherry note behind. Definitely built for the long haul; don't touch this wine for at least six or seven years. (2/ 2013)

Jancis Robinson

The final blend had not been assembled when I visited Laurence Feraud, still in her jodphurs and with a large truck awaiting her completion of the paperwork. Her son was detailed to give me a tasting of this unracked wine from cask in their sprawling cellars. Very dense mulberry fruit. Tarry almost - certainly in terms of colour - and yet this wine seems to have real freshness and raciness to it. Quite an achievement! 18/20 points. (12/ 2011)

K&L Notes

"As I have written many times in the past, Domaine du Pegau is well-known as one of the reference points for traditionally styled wines," writes Robert Parker in the Wine Advocate (10/2012). Paul Feraud's daughter Laurence Feraud now runs this 50-acre family estate.