The 2003 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée was the winning bottle in the November Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant the bottle and served it with a Chicken Parmesan.
The family of Domaine du Pegau has roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape dating back to the mid-17th century. The word Pegau refers to a wine jug discovered in the excavations of the 14th century Pope’s palace in Avignon. Today, the estate is run by the Paul Ferraud and his daughter Laurence.
Crimson in color. 13.5% ABV. Showstopping nose of red fruits, garrigue, plums and pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Clean, elegant and refined. None of the problematic notes I often associate with the ’03 vintage. Kirsch, roasted herbs, dried cherries and a hint of white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. A complete triumph for the vintage and in the conversation for best Pégaü of the decade. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 96 points.
Current vintages including the 2018 can be found had for just about $60. Hard to go wrong with this iconic producer of CdP.