2020 Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee Da Capo

The 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée da Capo is a massively concentrated effort that should ultimately rival the great 2016. The blackberries and blueberries are so vibrant and intense that the wine almost seems sweet, packed with ripe fruit, with hints of mocha and garrigue for savory complexity. Full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, it finishes with tremendous length and presence.

Two thousand twenty marks the eighth time that Laurence Féraud has chosen to vinify a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Da Capo, which made its debut in the 1998 vintage. A vineyard selection from parcels in La Crau, Escondudes and Monpertuis, all harvested a little bit later than the grapes destined to go into the Cuvée Réservée, this year’s blend is 70% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre and the rest split among other permitted varieties. Aged in foudre for two years and achieving 15.8% alcohol, it soars from the glass with expressive aromas of dried rose petals, slightly cooked red and black fruits, licorice, dried herbs, tobacco, cured meat and white pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and built like a brick wall, it will reward bottle age.