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Wine Advocate (98+)
The Usseglio’s consider the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul to be their greatest to date. I’ve done numerous tastings with the 2010 and 2007 side by side, and more times than not, I think the 2007 is the better wine. Time will tell though, and both are sensational wines that readers should have in their cellars. The inky colored 2010 is 100% Grenache fermented with 30% stems and aged in a combination of older barrels and foudre. More focused and precise than the '07 (and even darker in color), yet still with massive concentration and depth, it offers deep, rich notes of blackberries, cassis, ground herbs, pepper and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, thick and layered on the palate, it never puts a foot wrong, has fabulous purity and a blockbuster finish. It needs 3-4 years of cellaring, but will have 20-25 years of longevity.Inc. GSTSG$913.88 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Similar in style to the 2006, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is rounded and textured, with tons of charm in its blackberry, black raspberry, violets, garrigue and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple and textured, it shows the vintage's upfront and forward character, yet has beautiful purity of fruit and enough density to drink nicely through 2027. Most 2012s are already showing nicely, and this is no exception.Inc. GSTSG$181.92 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.Inc. GSTSG$1,392.76 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.Inc. GSTSG$686.02 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)
One of the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache, from the different terroirs (one sand, one clay, and one limestone) that was 50% destemmed and aged all in older demi-muids. Reminding me of the 2007 with its incredible perfume of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, flowery incense, peppery and Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. A wine of incredibly purity, precision, and elegance, yet also with power and opulence, this sensational effort is in need of 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades.Inc. GSTSG$586.81 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache (from three terroirs) that was not destemmed and is still resting all in used demi-muids. Incredible aromatics of blackberries, ground pepper, toasted spice, raspberries, and flowers all emerge from this deep, full-bodied, yet wonderfully elegant barrel sample that makes the most of this great vintage. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 15-20 years with no issues, and I’d certainly put this up with the top handful of wines in the vintage.Inc. GSTSG$633.70 -
(6x75cl) 2021Inc. GSTSG$677.33 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is 100% whole cluster fermented Grenache raised mostly in demi-muids. It doesn't get more Provençal than this beauty, whose deeper ruby hue is followed by a killer nose of darker cherries, blackberries, olive tapenade, licorice, and peppery garrigue. With medium to full-bodied richness, the sun-kissed, perfumed, complex style of the vintage, ample opulence and fat, and sweet, integrated tannins, it's a stunning, classic expression of this cuvée to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. There's no Reserve Des Deux Freres in the vintage, as the team didn't feel it was warranted in the vintage.Inc. GSTSG$706.71 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
There's a single barrel of the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You, which is 100% Grenache from the Les Serres lieu-dit from the oldest vines of the estate. It wasn’t destemmed and spent two years in a neutral barrel. It offers an incredible bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, incense, white flowers, garrigue and spice that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, it nevertheless glides over the palate with no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a singular, exotic, lengthy style.Inc. GSTSG$1,612.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
There's a single barrel of the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You, which is 100% Grenache from the Les Serres lieu-dit from the oldest vines of the estate. It wasn’t destemmed and spent two years in a neutral barrel. It offers an incredible bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, incense, white flowers, garrigue and spice that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, it nevertheless glides over the palate with no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a singular, exotic, lengthy style.Inc. GSTSG$460.96 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041.Inc. GSTSG$711.90 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041.Inc. GSTSG$2,041.96 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres elicits “wows”. Aged 60% in neutral wood foudres and 40% in one, two, and three-year old Burgundy barrels, this 2001, which tips the scales at an awesome 16.2% natural alcohol, boasts an inky/purple color along with a sensationally pure bouquet of blackberries, graphite, acacia flowers, licorice, and sweet kirsch liqueur. Unctuously textured and full-bodied, with high tannin as well as a closed personality, this prodigious yet fabulous Chateauneuf du Pape is a potential legend in the making. It requires 3-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. The texture, purity, and magnificent concentration suggest tiny yields, old vines, and non-interventionalistic winemaking. By the way, this wine represents a selection of the finest lots in the cellar as the sources are the same as for the Cuvee de Mon Aieul, although a large component of Deux Freres is from the Usseglio holdings in the sector of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Crau. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022+.Inc. GSTSG$2,700.39 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The limited cuvee 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres, which is aged 40% in tank and 60% in one-, two-, and three-year-old barrels as well as large demi-muids, is essentially the same as Mon Aieul, but additional press wine is added. This beefs the wine up to an even more extraordinarily concentrated character. This is another of the Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage, a wine of remarkable length and prodigious levels of richness. It is no wimpy wine at 16.5% alcohol, but you would never know that from tasting it. Dense purple to the rim, with a huge nose of scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, roasted meat juices, and a hint of Provencal herbs interwoven with licorice and a touch of balsamic, it is voluptuously textured, with striking body, low acidity, and amazing concentration. This fabulous bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 20+ years.Inc. GSTSG$1,080.69 -
(12x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (98)
Lastly, the 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is a more blockbuster-styled effort that has overflowing notes of black fruits, licorice, roasted meats, truffle and peppery herbs. Made from 100% Grenache that saw time in 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old small barrels and demi-muid, it’s full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated and ripe, with big underlying structure. Just now at the early stages of maturity, it too will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.Inc. GSTSG$2,522.04 -
Vinous (95)
Bright violet color. Wildly complex scents of black raspberry, cherry compote, sassafras, allspice and licorice. Lush and palate-staining, with noteworthy intensity to its open-knit dark berry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors. Silky tannins come on late and meld smoothly with the deep, sappy fruit, which refuses to let go of the palate. I underestimated this powerful, vibrant wine last year.Inc. GSTSG$783.06 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
While the 2020 will include a splash of Syrah, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Frères is its normal 100% Grenache and is a selection made in the cellar. In 2019, it ended up being roughly 30% new oak, and I think there were some stems included as well. It’s another magical wine from this estate, boasting a dense purple hue as well as a perfume of black raspberries, cassis, blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, toasted bread, and lavender. Full-bodied on the palate, with an incredible mouthfeel, riveting purity, and ultra-fine tannins, it’s unquestionably one of the all-time greats of this cuvée. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more.Inc. GSTSG$1,205.95 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Freres is almost all Grenache but includes a tiny parcel of very old vine Serine Syrah from Charbonniere. This deep purple-hued effort boasts a killer nose of blackberries, cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and ground pepper, among other Provençal nuances. Pure, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it has building yet perfectly ripe tannins, the vintage’s more elegant, streamlined style, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15 to 20 years.Inc. GSTSG$386.73 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Freres is almost all Grenache but includes a tiny parcel of very old vine Serine Syrah from Charbonniere. This deep purple-hued effort boasts a killer nose of blackberries, cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and ground pepper, among other Provençal nuances. Pure, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it has building yet perfectly ripe tannins, the vintage’s more elegant, streamlined style, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15 to 20 years.Inc. GSTSG$528.30 -
(1x75cl) 1990Inc. GSTSG$1,852.89 -
(1x75cl) 2010Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.Inc. GSTSG$942.02 -
(6x75cl) 2010Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.Inc. GSTSG$7,657.73 -
(12x75cl) 2012Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. GSTSG$7,143.64 -
(6x75cl) 2012Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. GSTSG$4,092.30 -
(1x75cl) 1989Vinous (98)
We end on a high note with the sublime 1989 Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful yet also super-finessed, the 1989 boasts extraordinary aromatics, seemingly endless fruit and striking inner sweetness. A real knock-out, the 1989 is hauntingly beautiful from the very first taste.Inc. GSTSG$5,585.42 -
(1x75cl) 1995Wine Advocate (96)
The 1995 is spectacular. When Emmanuel Reynaud said it was evolving quickly, in essence repudiating this vintage, I immediately drank two bottles of this glorious elixir. It does not reveal the over-ripeness of the 1990, bringing to mind a hypothetical blend of the great 1989 and 1978. Deeply-colored and still young, with black currant/creme de cassis-like characteristics, huge body, yet great structure and delineation, this is a classic Rayas that is totally different than the 1990. It should continue to improve in the bottle and may merit an even higher score. While it can be drunk now, it will be even better with 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.Inc. GSTSG$2,468.02 -
(1x75cl) 1996Vinous (90+)
Good deep red. Deeper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, pepper and licorice. Broad-shouldered but very closed, showing less sweetness today than the '96 Pignan. Red fruit flavors complicated by notes of leather, licorice and herbs. Strong acid/tannin backbone for aging. But tough going today.Inc. GSTSG$2,593.37 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-93)
Two component cuvées tasted.Cuvée #1 (20- to 30-year-old vines picked late): Medium red. Explosive aromas of raspberry liqueur, fresh cherry and smoke. Very rich, almost liqueur-like, with hints of leather and game. Impressively ripe and deep. Has sound acidity and a firm tannic underpinning.Cuvée #2 (from a higher percentage of older vines, picked earlier): Deeper red. Much less forthcoming on the nose. More intensely flavored and powerful, with excellent grip and structure for the year. Strong peppery quality in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Tannins are substantial but ripe. A robust sample. The combination of these two cuvées should produce a strong wine.Inc. GSTSG$1,993.87 -
(1x75cl) 1998Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
Deep red color. Superripe, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, cassis and pepper. Thick and voluminous, with sound acidity giving it excellent freshness and cut. Really striking depth of fruit. Finishes with substantial but unaggressive tannins. I don't find this wine quite as fearsome today as Reynaud suggests. It will age well but should also be accessible in its youth.Inc. GSTSG$3,214.67 -
Vinous (91+)
Medium red-ruby. Smoky redcurrant nose, with hints of game, leather and pepper; surmuri notes of dried fruits. Fat but quite fine; less sweet and fruit-driven today than the Pignan but more complex, more serious. This has solid structure for aging. The Pignan always tastes better young than Rayas, Reynaud points out.Inc. GSTSG$2,037.47
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Wine Advocate (98+)
The Usseglio’s consider the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul to be their greatest to date. I’ve done numerous tastings with the 2010 and 2007 side by side, and more times than not, I think the 2007 is the better wine. Time will tell though, and both are sensational wines that readers should have in their cellars. The inky colored 2010 is 100% Grenache fermented with 30% stems and aged in a combination of older barrels and foudre. More focused and precise than the '07 (and even darker in color), yet still with massive concentration and depth, it offers deep, rich notes of blackberries, cassis, ground herbs, pepper and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, thick and layered on the palate, it never puts a foot wrong, has fabulous purity and a blockbuster finish. It needs 3-4 years of cellaring, but will have 20-25 years of longevity.In BondSG$781.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Similar in style to the 2006, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is rounded and textured, with tons of charm in its blackberry, black raspberry, violets, garrigue and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple and textured, it shows the vintage's upfront and forward character, yet has beautiful purity of fruit and enough density to drink nicely through 2027. Most 2012s are already showing nicely, and this is no exception.In BondSG$157.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.In BondSG$1,155.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.In BondSG$568.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)
One of the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache, from the different terroirs (one sand, one clay, and one limestone) that was 50% destemmed and aged all in older demi-muids. Reminding me of the 2007 with its incredible perfume of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, flowery incense, peppery and Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. A wine of incredibly purity, precision, and elegance, yet also with power and opulence, this sensational effort is in need of 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades.In BondSG$475.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache (from three terroirs) that was not destemmed and is still resting all in used demi-muids. Incredible aromatics of blackberries, ground pepper, toasted spice, raspberries, and flowers all emerge from this deep, full-bodied, yet wonderfully elegant barrel sample that makes the most of this great vintage. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 15-20 years with no issues, and I’d certainly put this up with the top handful of wines in the vintage.In BondSG$520.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021In BondSG$562.00
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is 100% whole cluster fermented Grenache raised mostly in demi-muids. It doesn't get more Provençal than this beauty, whose deeper ruby hue is followed by a killer nose of darker cherries, blackberries, olive tapenade, licorice, and peppery garrigue. With medium to full-bodied richness, the sun-kissed, perfumed, complex style of the vintage, ample opulence and fat, and sweet, integrated tannins, it's a stunning, classic expression of this cuvée to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. There's no Reserve Des Deux Freres in the vintage, as the team didn't feel it was warranted in the vintage.In BondSG$585.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
There's a single barrel of the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You, which is 100% Grenache from the Les Serres lieu-dit from the oldest vines of the estate. It wasn’t destemmed and spent two years in a neutral barrel. It offers an incredible bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, incense, white flowers, garrigue and spice that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, it nevertheless glides over the palate with no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a singular, exotic, lengthy style.In BondSG$1,460.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
There's a single barrel of the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You, which is 100% Grenache from the Les Serres lieu-dit from the oldest vines of the estate. It wasn’t destemmed and spent two years in a neutral barrel. It offers an incredible bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, incense, white flowers, garrigue and spice that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, it nevertheless glides over the palate with no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a singular, exotic, lengthy style.In BondSG$413.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041.In BondSG$632.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041.In BondSG$1,810.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres elicits “wows”. Aged 60% in neutral wood foudres and 40% in one, two, and three-year old Burgundy barrels, this 2001, which tips the scales at an awesome 16.2% natural alcohol, boasts an inky/purple color along with a sensationally pure bouquet of blackberries, graphite, acacia flowers, licorice, and sweet kirsch liqueur. Unctuously textured and full-bodied, with high tannin as well as a closed personality, this prodigious yet fabulous Chateauneuf du Pape is a potential legend in the making. It requires 3-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. The texture, purity, and magnificent concentration suggest tiny yields, old vines, and non-interventionalistic winemaking. By the way, this wine represents a selection of the finest lots in the cellar as the sources are the same as for the Cuvee de Mon Aieul, although a large component of Deux Freres is from the Usseglio holdings in the sector of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Crau. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022+.In BondSG$2,420.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The limited cuvee 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres, which is aged 40% in tank and 60% in one-, two-, and three-year-old barrels as well as large demi-muids, is essentially the same as Mon Aieul, but additional press wine is added. This beefs the wine up to an even more extraordinarily concentrated character. This is another of the Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage, a wine of remarkable length and prodigious levels of richness. It is no wimpy wine at 16.5% alcohol, but you would never know that from tasting it. Dense purple to the rim, with a huge nose of scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, roasted meat juices, and a hint of Provencal herbs interwoven with licorice and a touch of balsamic, it is voluptuously textured, with striking body, low acidity, and amazing concentration. This fabulous bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 20+ years.In BondSG$938.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Wine Advocate (98)
Lastly, the 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is a more blockbuster-styled effort that has overflowing notes of black fruits, licorice, roasted meats, truffle and peppery herbs. Made from 100% Grenache that saw time in 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old small barrels and demi-muid, it’s full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated and ripe, with big underlying structure. Just now at the early stages of maturity, it too will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.In BondSG$2,195.00 -
Vinous (95)
Bright violet color. Wildly complex scents of black raspberry, cherry compote, sassafras, allspice and licorice. Lush and palate-staining, with noteworthy intensity to its open-knit dark berry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors. Silky tannins come on late and meld smoothly with the deep, sappy fruit, which refuses to let go of the palate. I underestimated this powerful, vibrant wine last year.In BondSG$659.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
While the 2020 will include a splash of Syrah, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Frères is its normal 100% Grenache and is a selection made in the cellar. In 2019, it ended up being roughly 30% new oak, and I think there were some stems included as well. It’s another magical wine from this estate, boasting a dense purple hue as well as a perfume of black raspberries, cassis, blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, toasted bread, and lavender. Full-bodied on the palate, with an incredible mouthfeel, riveting purity, and ultra-fine tannins, it’s unquestionably one of the all-time greats of this cuvée. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more.In BondSG$1,045.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Freres is almost all Grenache but includes a tiny parcel of very old vine Serine Syrah from Charbonniere. This deep purple-hued effort boasts a killer nose of blackberries, cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and ground pepper, among other Provençal nuances. Pure, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it has building yet perfectly ripe tannins, the vintage’s more elegant, streamlined style, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15 to 20 years.In BondSG$335.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Freres is almost all Grenache but includes a tiny parcel of very old vine Serine Syrah from Charbonniere. This deep purple-hued effort boasts a killer nose of blackberries, cassis, spicy wood, graphite, and ground pepper, among other Provençal nuances. Pure, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it has building yet perfectly ripe tannins, the vintage’s more elegant, streamlined style, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15 to 20 years.In BondSG$453.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990In BondSG$1,690.00
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(1x75cl) 2010
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.In BondSG$855.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.In BondSG$6,970.00 -
(12x75cl) 2012
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.In BondSG$6,435.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.In BondSG$3,695.00 -
(1x75cl) 1989
Vinous (98)
We end on a high note with the sublime 1989 Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful yet also super-finessed, the 1989 boasts extraordinary aromatics, seemingly endless fruit and striking inner sweetness. A real knock-out, the 1989 is hauntingly beautiful from the very first taste.In BondSG$5,115.00 -
(1x75cl) 1995
Wine Advocate (96)
The 1995 is spectacular. When Emmanuel Reynaud said it was evolving quickly, in essence repudiating this vintage, I immediately drank two bottles of this glorious elixir. It does not reveal the over-ripeness of the 1990, bringing to mind a hypothetical blend of the great 1989 and 1978. Deeply-colored and still young, with black currant/creme de cassis-like characteristics, huge body, yet great structure and delineation, this is a classic Rayas that is totally different than the 1990. It should continue to improve in the bottle and may merit an even higher score. While it can be drunk now, it will be even better with 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.In BondSG$2,255.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996
Vinous (90+)
Good deep red. Deeper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, pepper and licorice. Broad-shouldered but very closed, showing less sweetness today than the '96 Pignan. Red fruit flavors complicated by notes of leather, licorice and herbs. Strong acid/tannin backbone for aging. But tough going today.In BondSG$2,370.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-93)
Two component cuvées tasted.Cuvée #1 (20- to 30-year-old vines picked late): Medium red. Explosive aromas of raspberry liqueur, fresh cherry and smoke. Very rich, almost liqueur-like, with hints of leather and game. Impressively ripe and deep. Has sound acidity and a firm tannic underpinning.Cuvée #2 (from a higher percentage of older vines, picked earlier): Deeper red. Much less forthcoming on the nose. More intensely flavored and powerful, with excellent grip and structure for the year. Strong peppery quality in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Tannins are substantial but ripe. A robust sample. The combination of these two cuvées should produce a strong wine.In BondSG$1,820.00 -
(1x75cl) 1998
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
Deep red color. Superripe, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, cassis and pepper. Thick and voluminous, with sound acidity giving it excellent freshness and cut. Really striking depth of fruit. Finishes with substantial but unaggressive tannins. I don't find this wine quite as fearsome today as Reynaud suggests. It will age well but should also be accessible in its youth.In BondSG$2,940.00 -
Vinous (91+)
Medium red-ruby. Smoky redcurrant nose, with hints of game, leather and pepper; surmuri notes of dried fruits. Fat but quite fine; less sweet and fruit-driven today than the Pignan but more complex, more serious. This has solid structure for aging. The Pignan always tastes better young than Rayas, Reynaud points out.In BondSG$1,860.00
Chateauneuf du Pape, in the Rhone, pioneered the Appellation Controlee system by drawing up the first rules in 1923 regulating production, providing a prototype for others. This regulated yields, alcohol levels and what grapes could be grown where. The Rhone has gone through a resurgence with more of its appellations distinctive identities being asserted and respected.
