Domaine du Pegau remains an unshakeable bastion of traditional winemaking in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2020 Cuvée Réservée is dominated by old-vine Grenache co-fermented with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and small proportions of the appellation's other permitted varieties. Cultivated on stony terraces dominated by galets roulés, the fruit undergoes whole-bunch fermentation driven solely by wild yeasts in concrete vats, followed by two years of maturation in ancient oak foudres.
This uncompromisingly classic approach yields a wine of immense depth, signature earthiness, and brooding power. The 2020 vintage captures a pristine balance between ripe black fruit richness and the classic savory complexity of dried herbs and leather, promising remarkable cellar longevity for serious collectors.
Tasting notes
In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep ruby color with a brick-tinted rim. Aromas open with intense kirsch, black pepper, cured meat, and sun-baked garrigue. On the palate, a muscular core of dark plum, iron, and licorice is framed by broad, grainy tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is persistent, leaving lingering impressions of game, crushed stones, and black spice.