This was a great showing for the 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée, and while I’ve drunk close to a case of this beauty, it’s never shown as well as on this occasion. A massive bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, garrigue, truffle, spice, and loads of other magical Southern Rhône goodness all emerge from this stunning Châteauneuf Du Pape. Full-bodied and powerful, it nevertheless stays balanced, light on its feet, and is a singular beauty that could come from nowhere else. It’s not for those looking for lightweight flavors or aromas (or for the brett adverse), but it will knock your socks off over the coming 20 years or more.

The 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée is a terrific effort still in its prime. Marked by scents of sweaty horse tack, it's also loaded with sweet black cherries, hints of smoke and dried herbs. Full-bodied and velvety, it finishes long and rich, with the suggestion of warm generosity. I suspect not everyone will love this wine, but for me, it beautifully captures the character of great, traditional Southern Rhônes.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 31/10/2011 Under the estate Domaine du Pegau label, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee is spending a longer time in barrel and foudre than usual. Consequently, I tasted through three separate foudres, all of which looked spectacular. The final blend will probably be about 80% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre and 2% other varietals. The color is a dense black/ruby (one of the more opaque 2009s I saw), and the powerful nose offers up aromas of licorice, smoked herbs, charcuterie, bouquet garni, roasted meats, Peking duck, kirsch, blackberries and cassis. An enormous success, this cuvee has come on like gang busters since I tasted it last year, and may eclipse the stunning 2007. Given its tannin profile, the 2009 will require 5-6 years of cellaring and should keep for 30-35 years. Could this be a modern day version of Pegau’s compelling 1989 Cuvee Reservee? One of the bastions of traditionalism in Chateauneuf du Pape is Domaine de Pegau, long owned by the Feraud family, and now run by the charming, talented Laurence, who was exceptionally well-schooled by her father, Paul. This nearly 50-acre estate fashions some of the longest-lived, most interesting wines of the appellation. The success they have enjoyed with their estate wines has allowed the Ferauds to branch out with a small negociant operation that includes selections Laurence makes through her contacts in the southern Rhone as well as wines she co-producers with another Chateauneuf du Pape name well-known for high quality, Andre Brunel. (95-97)

Dark ruby. Wild, highly aromatic bouquet of dark berry liqueur, cherry pit, smoked meat and garrigue . Deeply pitched black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are broad and sappy, with a smoky floral quality appearing on the back. The long finish features gentle tannic grip and lingering smokiness. Fans of old-school Chateauneuf are going to love this wine.

Delicate matured fruit with meaty and gamey notes. Thin integrated tannins.