2005 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

(96 points)  "After tasting the 2005 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée two separate times from varying casks and barrels at the domaine, this was my first taste from bottle and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Surprisingly, this doesn't possess the same meaty and burly Pegau aromas but showed a pure, clean and precise character. Bright raspberry, cherry and mineral aromas shows up at first but with air, more earthy, peppery and tar laced aromas show up. The palate is awesome with beautiful balance, tension and texture that lead into a long, tannic finish. It wasn't until the last sip that this showed more of the subtle meat and leather aromas that I'm use to getting from these wines. Outstanding."  Jeb Dunnuck