Tonight, with a dinner of venison-black bean chili, I opened:
1994 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée
color: medium-dark garnet at the center; orange at the rim
nose: a complex mix of herbs, kirsch, meat and a hint of allspice
palate: medium-full body, rich but not heavy, good balance, lots of fruit
You really couldn't ask for much more from a CdP. This one had great balance, complexity and enough fruit for even someone used to California wines. Considering that '94 was a good, but not great, year in the S. Rhone, this wine is a great success for the vintage. I don't see it getting any better than it is today, but I'd guess that it has another 5 years in it, easily. I'm glad that I have some more.
Mark Lipton