The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee may be one of the few 2000s that is better than its 1998 counterpart. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, cedar, licorice, and pepper. It smells like an open-air Provencal market. Sweet, fat, opulent, and voluptuous, with fabulous fruit concentration, sweet tannin, and a long, 45+ second finish, this powerful, deep, seamless 2000 is impeccably well-balanced. A tour de force in traditional Chateauneuf du Pape, it is accessible now, but should age easily for 15-20 years.

I've had some tired and almost over the hill bottles of the 2000 Domaine de Pegau Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Reservée recently, yet this bottle was firing on all cylinders, with a mature yet lively vibe in its sweet red fruits, garrigue, pepper, and meaty aromas and flavors. Reminding me of a Grand Cru Burgundy on the palate, with a seamless, layered texture, it's a gorgeous Châteauneuf du Pape that's not going to get any better, yet should drink nicely from well-stored bottles over the coming decade.

Clear and translucent now, with very mellow, harmonious aromas: earth, menthol, coffee, pine and lavender. On the palate, it is a long, full, vivid, amply constructed wine with palpable tannins, with acidity which remains fruit-saturated, and with complex spice-and-incense notes to finish. A fine effort which merits further ageing for those who love the mature style.

(14.8% alcohol) Full ruby-red. Liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and licorice. Lush, fat and full in the mouth, with superb concentration and richness. A seamless wine with great Chateauneuf du Pape character. Complicating notes of tar and chocolate. Finishes with dusty, broad tannins and great persistence. This can be enjoyed now with the right dishes but should age gracefully.