2010 Pierre Usseglio "Reserve des Deux Freres" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1086442 97 points Wine Spectator

This is special, with a very deep well of plum, fig, cassis and blackberry fruit seamlessly melded together and a nearly endless finish inlaid with Lapsang souchong tea, melted licorice snap and Turkish coffee notes. Stays very poised despite its immense weight. Hard to resist now, but it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Best from 2013 through 2030. (10/ 2012)

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is composed of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, and came in at 15.5% alcohol. In most vintages, this is basically the same cuvee as the Mon Aieul but with more press wine and the use of small new oak casks for aging the Syrah component. Approximately 30% stems were used in the fermentation. The 2010 is closed and nearly inaccessible at present. Full-bodied and massive with an inky/purple color, it reveals notes of smoked meats, blackberries, blueberries, flowers and subtle toast in the background. An enormous unctuosity and viscosity give the wine a palate gripping mouthfeel as the tannins are coated with glycerin. This brilliant wine needs at least 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades thereafter. (96+) (10/ 2012)

95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Inky ruby. Assertive scents of black and blue fruit liqueur and incense show lovely clarity and take on spicecake and cola qualities with air. Lush, palate-coating blueberry and cassis flavors are braced by juicy acidity and pick up energy in the glass. Rich, vibrant and precise, finishing on a suave floral pastille note, with mounting tannins and superb clarity and length. (2/ 2013)