2010 Pierre Usseglio "Mon Aïeul" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1086441 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul (cropped at 12-16 hectoliters per hectare) comes from the estate’s finest vineyards in the southern part of the appellation (Les Grandes Serres), the eastern sector (the famed La Crau) and the northern sector (Guigasse). The wine is aged primarily in stainless steel tanks with a small percent (less than 20%) kept in 600-liter demi-muids. Despite the 16.5% natural alcohol, there is not a trace of heat in this wine. It is stunningly concentrated with great intensity as well as classic blueberry, peppery, incense, camphor, fig and licorice characteristics. Rich and full-bodied with slightly more freshness than their profound 2007, the 2010 Mon Aieul should age effortlessly for two decades. (10/ 2012)

93-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(all Grenache): Opaque ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, lavender, cola and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Supersweet, broad and lush, with explosive red and dark berry flavors complicated by candied flowers and allspice. Finishes with resonating spiciness, broad velvety tannins and superb length. (2/ 2012)

94 points Wine Spectator

A bold, ripe, almost heady style, with thickly layered blueberry, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with mouthwatering spice and melted black licorice, followed by a long, fruitcake-filled finish. This has the stuffing and grip for cellaring, but ultimately for fans of the more bombastic style. Best from 2014 through 2030 (Web Only- 08/2012)