2000 Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb 03
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. This is one of the benchmarks for traditionally-made Chateauneuf du Pape. Paul Feraud, a classmate of Henri Bonneau, is still involved in the running of this estate, but he has given more and more responsibility to his charming, talented daughter, Laurence. Readers looking for uncompromising Chateauneuf du Pape that can age for two decades need look no further than Pegau. Their primary vineyard plots are well-placed lieux-dits called Monpertuis, Rayas, and La Crau, the latter being the parcel from which the bulk of Pegau's wine emerges. 95 points

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 03
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. 93 points