2009 Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

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? Wine Advocate 95-97