Usseglio/Raymond Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale 2010

99 points Robert Parker: "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. Don’t 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. Drink: 2016-2046. (Oct 2012)"

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A killer bottle of Grenache that's not fully mature and is drinking right in the middle of its prime drink window, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale 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. Drink: 2023-2043. (5/22/23)"

94 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale Vignes Centenaires needs plenty of aeration to open up, gradually releasing its black-fruited, spicy aroma profile. Over time, wild strawberries, garrigue, tobacco, leafy shadings and earthy scents step into the picture. Shaped by smooth tannins, the full-bodied 2010 possesses elevated flavor concentration and walks off the stage with a long and savory finish. Give it at least another two years in bottle. Drink 2026-2038. (Aug 2024)."

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Glass-staining purple. Heady scents of spice- and floral-accented dark berries, cherry-vanilla, anise and incense, along with a smoky topnote. Lush and seamless on the palate, offering palate-staining blackberry, blueberry and floral pastille flavors. Silky tannins build on the endless finish, which leaves behind notes of blue fruit preserves, licorice and smoky Indian spices. Velvety tannins come on late but are quickly absorbed by this wine's lush, deeply concentrated fruit. (Jan/Feb 2013)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and ripe, with very friendly raspberry ganache, blackberry coulis and melted licorice notes that carry through the broad, fleshy finish. Densely layered and not shy with its fruit-driven profile, but there's more than enough graphite-edged grip to keep this honest. Should mellow nicely in the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2025. 75 cases imported. (8/31/13)"