Pégäu Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 2007

96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Rhone Report): "Beautifully rich and meaty, yet with a structured edge, the 2007 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée delivers a textbook Pégaü profile with smoked plums, beef blood, roasted garrigue, lavender, and iron like qualities literally soaring from the glass. Full bodied and focused on the palate, with edgy underlying structure, thrilling fruit, and a broad, chewy mid-palate and finish, this brilliant Châteauneuf-du-Pape took the better part of the evening to open up, and was even better on the second day. While delicious now, it will be even better in 3-5 years. (Mar 2012)"

95 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (of which I was lucky to find a magnum on a Paris bistro’s wine list a week after my tasting at the estate) is a brilliant effort that ranks alongside the colossal 2003 Cuvee Reservee. A blend of approximately 85% Grenache, 8-9% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and other varietals from 50-100+ year old vines aged in foudre, it exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of beef blood, grilled herbs, barbecue smoke, lavender, sweet cassis and kirsch and a hint of Asian soy. The wine possesses a fabulous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a seamless integration of tannin, acidity and alcohol. Certainly the alcohol level is pushing 16% in this wine. With extraordinary texture and unctuosity, this remarkable effort should drink well for 20+ years yet be very appealing in its youth given the glycerin, velvety texture, and remarkable complexity. (Oct 2010)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$119 list] This packs it all together, with the ripe plum sauce, braised fig and currant paste notes of the vintage matched with invigorating hoisin sauce, brick dust and grilled beef notes. The long finish drips with fruit, but stays framed by a wild edge that keeps this firmly planted in terroir. Best from 2011 through 2031. 700 cases imported. (3/31/10)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Kirsch, cherry liqueur, black raspberry, earth and garrigue aromas, rich, lush textures and a long, fresh, pure, ripe fruit filled finish reminds me why I remain a fan of Chateauneuf du Pape and Pegau. Drink it now if you like them young, or let the wine age. This is simply delicious. (Aug 2012)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Opaque ruby. The highly perfumed nose offers an exotic array of red and dark berries, spicecake and potpourri, with hints of smoky herbs and olive adding complexity. Juicy and fresh for a wine that's over 15% alcohol, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors framed by silky tannins. Very suave and open-knit today, with excellent finishing clarity and smoky persistence. (Jan/Feb 2010)"