RP99 “A candidate for perfection, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale Vignes Centenaire is clearly the greatest wine I have ever tasted from Raymond Usseglio, even eclipsing their remarkable 2007. Dont be surprised if it merits a three-digit score in five or six years. Somewhat closed, but bursting with potential, the wine is inky/purple to the rim and boasts abundant amounts of concentrated, jammy blackberry, kirsch, licorice, lavender, forest floor, white chocolate and a hint of truffles in its magnificent perfume. Some tannins appear in the mouth, but there is no doubting the luxurious concentration, multidimensional mouthfeel, full-bodied texture, enormous extract and richness, and nearly endless finish. This monumental Chateauneuf du Pape needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and consumed over the following 2-3 decades.”

JD99 “A killer bottle of Grenache that’s not fully mature and is drinking right in the middle of its prime drink window, the 2010 Chteauneuf Du Pape Cuve Impriale is still ruby/plum-hued with no bricking at the edges, yet it clearly has shed most of its primary aromatics now. Blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked meat, licorice, leather, and herbes de Provence/lavender all define this incredibly pure, silky, seamless Chateauneuf du Pape. It still has some tannins as well as awesome concentration, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a full-bodied, majestic, seamless style that needs to be tasted to be believed. It has another 15-20 years of prime drinking, so count yourself lucky if you have bottles in the cellar.”