2007 Pierre Usseglio "Mon Aieul" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

100 points Robert Parker: "There are 1,800 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Mon Aieul (100% tank-aged Grenache). It represents an awesome naked/virginal expression of Grenache from three vineyard parcels planted in sand, clay, and limestone soils. After tasting this wine on five separate occasions, I can state with certainty, it has the most saturated color of any Mon Aieul produced to date. Moreover, its perfume of blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice, roasted meat juices, and lavender is incredible. Full-bodied power, a multilayered mouthfeel, tremendous purity, and awesome concentration put this wine in a class by itself. This sensational Chateauneuf du Pape is still very young, and 3-4 years of cellaring is required. It should be a modern day legend and last for nearly two decades." (10/09) 93-96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky ruby. Powerful dark berry and cherry preserve aromas are complicated by cola, underbrush and Indian spices. Lush and creamy, with concentrated black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a jolt of white pepper on the back. Finishes with mounting sweetness and excellent persistence. This refuses to let go of the palate."