1996 Chateauneuf du Pape

Similarly-styled, the 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve was the most straightforward and mid-weight in the retrospective, yet still a delicious wine. Possessing pretty blackberry, Provencal herbs, leathers, and earthy notes, it has medium-bodied richness, good overall balance and a clean finish. It’s mature and should be consumed over the coming couple of years as well. Created in 1987 (although there were some earlier bottling released) Domaine du Pegau is run today by the father/daughter team of Paul and Laurence Feraud. When setting up this retrospective, I was shocked when Laurence Feraud told me she had never done a vertical tasting like this. While I know they drink their older cuvees often, I think the idea of opening so many wines for one tasting could be seen as wasteful, and in reality, it is. However, it’s also incredibly educational, and as Laurence commented, shows the story of the domaine. I was thrilled to take part in this tasting, which also included Laurence’s parents, Paul and Odette. Importers: Dan Kravitz, Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347-9400