2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Réserve des Deux Frères, Pierre Usseglio, Rhône

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is composed of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, and came in at 15.5% alcohol. In most vintages, this is basically the same cuvee as the Mon Aieul but with more press wine and the use of small new oak casks for aging the Syrah component. Approximately 30% stems were used in the fermentation. The 2010 is closed and nearly inaccessible at present. Full-bodied and massive with an inky/purple color, it reveals notes of smoked meats, blackberries, blueberries, flowers and subtle toast in the background. An enormous unctuosity and viscosity give the wine a palate gripping mouthfeel as the tannins are coated with glycerin. This brilliant wine needs at least 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades thereafter.Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 31/10/2012

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is a completely different animal because of the major loss of Grenache crop due to poor flowering. This blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah makes it an unusual Des Deux Freres, since this wine has usually been close to 100% Grenache. The high percentage of Syrah gives the wine a very black/purple color, more blackberry, cassis and acacia flowers, with some smoked meat and Peking duck notes. Rich, full-bodied, thick, and unctuously textured, it is a more modern-styled Chateauneuf du Pape, especially with so much Syrah in the final blend. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant wine that should drink well for 20-25 years given the freshness and good acids these 2010s possess. . (robert_parker - Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011) One of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape is that of the two brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio. Their cellars are just north of the village, adjacent to the walls of the ruins of the pope’s palace. They have nearly 60 acres under vine, and make three cuvees of red wines in the top vintages. Their classic or traditional cuvee is made from a blend of mostly Grenache, with some Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Their mostly unoaked, tank-fermented and -aged Mon Aieul comes from very old vines (about 85 years of age) and tiny yields, while their cuvee Des Deux Freres leans in a slightly more modern direction for Chateauneuf du Pape, with 50% of it now aged in small barrels, 20% in tank, and 30% in 600-liter demi-muids.