One of the finest efforts of the vintage is the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee. There is no Cuvee da Capo in 2004, and as my commentary will make clear, they decided not to produce one in 2005. The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee has a dark plum/garnet/purple color and a big, sweet nose of kirsch liqueur, lavender, roasted herbs, and beef juices intermixed with some licorice and spice. It is full-bodied, rich, deep, spicy, and dense with some tannins in the finish. The wine is not as accessible as many 2004s, and I would opt for cellaring it for 3-4 years and drinking it over the following 15-20. It’s a gorgeous effort for the vintage.

I’ve always loved the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape from Pégau, and it’s drank beautifully since release. This was my last bottle (unfortunately, but no regrets) and it’s certainly hit it plateau of maturity where it will stay for another decade. Today it offers a classic Pégau bouquet of exotic spice, pepper, truffle and gamey, meaty, animal notes. It’s fully mature on the palate, yet has a core of sweet fruit, some still present savory tannin and a great finish. It’s unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage and is just a joy to drink.

Ruby-red. Spicy red fruits on the nose, complicated by tapenade, lavender and espresso. Very fresh and sweet, with energetic red and dark fruit flavors, suggestions of garrigue and supple tannins. Finishes deep and sappy, with a lingering cherry pit note clinging tenaciously.