Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2010

96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Rhone Report): "Even better, and to quote owner Vincent Maurel, a wine that 'doesn't suck', the 2010 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is spectacular stuff! Showing more garrigue, licorice, and roasted herb qualities than the traditional cuvee, as well as layers of red and black fruits, roasted meat, and herbs de Provence aromas and flavors, this full-bodied, thrillingly put together 2010 has no hard edges, a decadent, seamless texture, and incredible length. Despite the overall size and texture, it still carries a fresh, light, and elegant feel, with noticeable and age-worthy structure. Back up the truck if you have one as this is a rock star value that should not be missed! Enjoy bottles over the coming 15+ years. (Sep 2012)"

93-96 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, which is only available in the United States, is fashioned from Grenache vines planted in 1905, and is aged in both tank and small barrels. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with notes of licorice, kirsch liqueur, earth, truffles, forest floor, underbrush, raspberry, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, it should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. (Oct 2011)"

92 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(virtually all grenache, from vines that were planted just after 1900, according to the Maurels; this bottling is designated for export exclusively to the U.S.): Saturated ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry and licorice, with a powerful floral topnote. Sappy and deeply concentrated, offering palate-staining black raspberry and spicecake flavors and an exotic suggestion of candied flowers. The long finish closes on a floral note, with silky tannins adding shape. (Jan/Feb 2013)"

17.5/20 points Andrew Jefford (The World of Fine Wine): "Saturated dense black-red. Sweet, warm, heady aromas, billowing out of the glass: lots of hay and bay. Arresting and attractive. Rich, textured, supple, full, spicy... and yet another electrically concentrated wine, another wine where you truly feel you are tasting earth essences. The flavors just drive and drive through the palate, and even after they've gone they last another 40 seconds or so. Awesome. Lots of dry thyme, with sweet damson, plum, and bramble fruit. Almost elemental; a thunder-and-lightning Châteauneuf, a wine from the beginning of the world. (Issue 43; 2014)"