A real powerhouse, with muscular layers of fig and black currant compote, backed by braised beef, chestnut, tobacco and tar flavors. The long, mesquite-filled finish lets additional bittersweet cocoa and dark fruit notes linger, with lots of garrigue. Best from 2008 through 2025. 5,000 cases made. — JM

One of the clear standouts in the vintage, the Feraud’s 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (which includes a splash of Grenache Blanc in the blend) offers both stunning aromatic complexity paired with a voluptuous, supple and downright sexy profile on the palate. Loaded with classic Pegau spice, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, cured meats and lavender aromas and flavors, this beauty has no hard edges, full-bodied richness and weight, and a seamless finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. A wine that hasn’t shut down since bottling, it should continue to evolve gracefully for another decade at least. This is one of those wines you don’t want to miss.- JD

I’ve always loved the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape from Pégau, and it’s drank beautifully since release. This was my last bottle (unfortunately, but no regrets) and it’s certainly hit it plateau of maturity where it will stay for another decade. Today it offers a classic Pégau bouquet of exotic spice, pepper, truffle and gamey, meaty, animal notes. It’s fully mature on the palate, yet has a core of sweet fruit, some still present savory tannin and a great finish. It’s unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage and is just a joy to drink.

Dark in color, with a nose packed with pepper, garrigue, kirsch, black raspberry, licorice and kirsch, this full bodied, concentrated, fresh, spicy, mouth filling Chateauneuf du Pape delivered the goods. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2004&wine=Domaine%20du%20Pegau%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20Cuvee%20Reservee