Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Cuvee de Mon Aieul Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, 2006, 750ml France,

Outer quote mark One of the top wines of the vintage, the 2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul is a quintessential Châteauneuf, boasting awesome aromatics of kirsch and blackberry liquor, garrigue, licorice, and minerals. Both decadent and fresh at the same time on the nose, the wine is full bodied and balanced on the palate, showing a gorgeous, silky texture, good acidity and a very long, focused finish. In all the fuss over the ’07, don’t miss this wine! – 97 points Jeb Dunnuck

Outer quote mark One of the gems in the vintage is the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul, which in 2006 was 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah. Elegant, seamless and weightless, yet with full-bore intensity in its kirsch liqueur, garrigue and licorice-driven aromas and flavors, this sensational 2006 provides that rare mix of both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. – 96 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark Silky and forward, with black tea, melted licorice, hoisin sauce, mocha and currant fruit flavors gliding along cocoa-tinged tannins. Additional hints of tobacco, chestnut and grilled beef flitter through the finish, which has solid, latent grip. – 94 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark Saturated red. Very complex nose displays vivid scents of raspberry, blackcurrant, olive and garrigue Deep, palate-coating red and dark berry flavors are complicated by smoky herbal and floral pastille qualities, with silky tannins adding focus. The floral notes linger seductively on the finish, which is pure, juicy and long. – 93 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar