My Personal Recommendation For You

Domaine du Pégaü "Cuvée Réservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012     So Rhone; France     Bttl $84.99     Cs Bttl $79.99

(BPO) Best Price Online / 96 Pts Robert Parker!

Domaine du Pegau is an old name in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well its producers, the Féraud family who are able to trace their roots all the way back to the middle of the 17th century. Delegated as one of the bastions of traditionalism in this French appellation, it is considered a reference point producer and one of the crown jewels of the Southern Rhone. This nearly 50-acre estate fashions some of the most interesting, longest-lived wines of the appellation!

The name, Pegau (“pay-go”) is and old Provençal term for an ancient wine jug discovered during the excavations of the 14th century, Avignon Popes Palace. The great, grandparents of mason and winemaker, Laurence Féraud (pictured), were responsible of growing the vineyard into its current vines. Paul Féraud, Laurence’s father, brought Domaine Pegau into the modern age when he began to bottle his own wine from the production of a small parcel of acres – prior to that date, the production was sold to local négociants for their own productions.

It’s Laurence’s amazing ability to craft beautifully delineated and balanced wines with ancient winemaking methods that cannot be overlooked. Robert Parker, in his Magnum Opus on Rhone wine, “ Wines of the Rhone Valley’, had this to say: “The 50-acre estate of the Féraud family produces one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most majestic, old-style, robust, super-concentrated, blockbuster wines.”

Laurence Féraud’s notes:

“Domaine du Pegau Réservée is produced from 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah and 4% Mourvedre, Counoise and other varieties. Previous vintages had a bit more Syrah in the blend. The wine was vinified in traditional, cement vats. The wine was aged on average for 18 months in old casks. I am happy with the 2012 Reservée production.”

Robert Parker’s review:

“The 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty. Tasted out of multiple barrels (all of which rated between 94 and 97), it should be a classic Pegau with aromatics similar to the 2010. Full-bodied and nicely concentrated, all of the samples showed the freshness of the vintage, with ample mid-palate depth, high quality tannin and loads of character. It should benefit from short-term cellaring and have 15-20 years of longevity. Drink 2016-2032.”