1995 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée

Reminiscent of the 1985, the 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape should prove to be a classic. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color, followed by a gutsy, olive, sausage, peppery, and black cherry-scented nose, massive body, a layered texture, and rustic tannin in the blockbuster finish. It is a huge, concentrated, backward style that is the antithesis of the 1996. Remarkably, alcohol levels achieved in 1995 averaged between 14.5%-15.5% - with no sugar additions! Buyer's of this wine will need patience, as I do not see it being ready to drink for 4-5 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. Importer: Dan Kravitz, Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347-9400.

The 1995 Cuvee Reservee exhibits an opaque black/purple color, and extraordinary rich, intense aromas of smoke, black raspberries, kirsch, and spice. Exceptionally full-bodied, with an unctuous texture, and a thick, rich, expansive mid-palate, this superbly concentrated wine appears to be a worthy rival to this estate's phenomenal 1989 and 1990. Interestingly, the average alcohol level achieved by Domaine du Pegau in 1995 was 14.5-15.5%. This is a blockbuster Chateauneuf du Pape. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Last tasted 6/96.

The 1995 Cuvee Reservee exhibits an opaque black/purple color, and extraordinary rich, intense aromas of smoke, black raspberries, kirsch, and spice. Exceptionally full-bodied, with an unctuous texture, and a thick, rich, expansive mid-palate, this superbly concentrated wine appears to be a worthy rival to this estate's phenomenal 1989 and 1990. Interestingly, the average alcohol level achieved by Domaine du Pegau in 1995 was 14.5-15.5%. This is a blockbuster Chateauneuf du Pape. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Last tasted 6/96. Jan 1997, www.robertparker.com