97+ points Rhone Report: "A deep, voluptuous, and concentrated Chateauneuf-du-Pape that's a blend of 100% Grenache that is aged all in foudre and neutral barrel, the 2010 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Cuvee de mon Aieul is deep purple and semi-opaque in color and offers up a spectacular bouquet of blackberry, raspberry liqueur, roasted meats, spring flowers, licorice, and edgy minerality. Checking in at over 16% alcohol, yet showing no heat on the nose, it is fresh and beautifully focused aromatically. This full-bodied, layered, and lavishly textured Chateauneuf-du-Pape has fantastic concentration and masses of ripe tannin that are only partially concealed by the wine's fruit. While possibly a notch down from the '07, this is about as good as this cuvee gets. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink beautifully for 2+ decades. (Sep 2012)"

94-96 points Robert Parker: "In total contrast, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul has intense blueberry, black raspberry and lavender notes that jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. It is 100% Grenache in 2010, all coming from three of their finest vineyards -- Les Grandes Serres in the southern part of the appellation, planted in 1926, La Crau, which of course is the famous sector in the eastern part of Chateauneuf du Pape and an early maturing one, and Guigasse, which is in the northerly sector, next to the sandy soils of the lieu-dit known as Pignan, as well as Grand Pierre. This wine tips the scales at about 16.5% alcohol, finishes completely dry and has no heat. The yields were a preposterous 16 hectoliters per hectare. I wouldn’t be surprised if this impressive wine jumps a few points in score, as it is still primary, backward and super-concentrated. It will need 3-5 years of cellaring and then drink well for at least two decades. (Oct 2011)"

93-95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(all grenache): Opaque ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, lavender, cola and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Supersweet, broad and lush, with explosive red and dark berry flavors complicated by candied flowers and allspice. Finishes with resonating spiciness, broad velvety tannins and superb length. (Jan/Feb 2012)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "A bold, ripe, almost heady style, with thickly layered blueberry, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with mouthwatering spice and melted black licorice, followed by a long, fruitcake-filled finish. This has the stuffing and grip for cellaring, but ultimately for fans of the more bombastic style. Best from 2014 through 2030. 400 cases made. (10/15/12)"