{"product_id":"2016-domaine-du-pegau-chateauneuf-du-pape-inspiration-magnum","title":"2016 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Inspiration Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003eBottled only in magnum and only in the very greatest vintages, the 2016 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Inspiration is one of the Southern Rhône’s most coveted wines. Nicknamed “the dark queen of Châteauneuf-du-Pape” for its intense black-fruit depth, Inspiration sits at the pinnacle of Pegau’s range, following legendary 2003 and 2010 releases that both received 100 points from Robert Parker. The 2016 combines profound richness with old-vine complexity, making it a true collector’s piece and a centrepiece for any serious cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2016 Inspiration is an almost opaque, very dark garnet red, with a dense core and a viscous, slow-moving rim that already hints at its concentration. The nose is bold and intensely perfumed: roasted game, leather, sweet berry licorice and dark chocolate swirl together with notes of cassis, black plum and a wild garrigue character of thyme, rosemary and dried lavender. Subtle hints of smoked meat and forest floor add further layers as it opens.\n\nOn the palate, this is a full-bodied, powerful Châteauneuf-du-Pape with remarkable depth and texture. Deep licorice and ripe cassis dominate at first, supported by blackberry compote, cocoa and earthy tones that feel almost as though the wine has been gently filtered through wet stone and soil. There is an impressive mineral backbone that runs beneath the opulent fruit, giving drive and precision, while muscular, finely rippled tannins provide structure without harshness. The finish is very long, savoury and complex, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice and leather. In magnum format, the 2016 Inspiration has outstanding aging potential: it can be enjoyed now after extended aeration, but will reward 15–25 years (and likely more) of careful cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine du Pegau’s Inspiration is sourced from some of the estate’s most privileged parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, stretching across the communes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon and Bédarrides, including the famed La Crau terroirs (West, East and South). These sites are marked by sandy soils scattered with galets roulés (rounded stones), which store daytime heat and slowly release it at night, promoting perfect ripening while preserving freshness and minerality. Vines are traditionally farmed, with low yields and hand harvesting to ensure only optimally ripe, healthy bunches make it to the winery. In classic Pegau style, the blend is based on old-vine Grenache complemented by other permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in large neutral wood, allowing the natural power, dark fruit and savoury complexity of the terroir to take centre stage. In the very best years, only a single barrel of this deeply concentrated cuvée is produced and then bottled exclusively in magnum, further enhancing its longevity and grandeur.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis monumental wine calls for equally characterful cuisine. Roast lamb with herbs de Provence, slow-braised beef or venison, game birds with truffle, and rich stews like daube Provençale are all superb partners. It also shines alongside aged hard cheeses and earthy dishes featuring mushrooms or lentils. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F); in its youth, decant generously for at least 2–3 hours to allow the aromatics and structure to unfold. With maturity, a gentler 60–90 minute decant is ideal to remove any sediment and fully reveal its layered complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine du Pegau is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s benchmark estates, revered for its traditional, unapologetically characterful wines. Although officially founded under the Pegau name in 1987 by the Féraud family, the domaine’s winemaking roots in the region trace back to 1670, making it a true heir to Châteauneuf’s historic viticultural heritage. Today, the estate’s holdings span prime terroirs across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including the iconic La Crau plateau, and its wines are widely admired for their power, complexity and age-worthiness. Over the years, Domaine du Pegau has garnered international acclaim, with multiple wines achieving perfect scores from top critics, cementing its status as one of the Southern Rhône’s most important and influential producers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine du Pegau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251802591569,"sku":"GCW-PEGA-16801","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2016_Domaine_du_Pegau_Chateauneuf_du_Pape_Inspiration_Magnum.png?v=1783441511","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2016-domaine-du-pegau-chateauneuf-du-pape-inspiration-magnum","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}