2000 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres RP--98

Robert Parker: 98 Points
The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres, which has been one of the winners in several blind tastings, is a candidate for "wine of the vintage." Sadly, there are only 5,000 bottles. The wine emerges from the estate's oldest vines, and is aged in old barrels. This blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Cinsault tips the scales at a whopping 15.8% alcohol. Its inky purple color is accompanied by succulent aromas of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry liqueur interwoven with licorice, mineral, and acacia flower characteristics. Fabulously concentrated and full-bodied, with a voluptuous texture, sweet tannin, and a flamboyant and accessible personality, this prodigious, majestic Chateauneuf du Pape needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. Kudos to Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, Wine Advocate wine personalities of the year in 2001!