CDP Cuvée Réservée, Domaine de Pégau 2013

Still not yet bottled, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Reservée checks in as a final blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and the rest other permitted grapes. Completely destemmed and seeing upwards of 18-24 months in old foudre, it sports an excellent deep ruby color to go with lots of lavender, peppery herbs, black cherries and leather. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated and forward with ripe tannin, it makes the most of this difficult vintage, but I suspect it is best consumed in its first 10-12 years of life. Drink 2015-2027.