91 points Robert Parker: "A more powerful, intense, layered effort, the 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives exhibits an inky/ruby/purple hue along with notes of pen ink, licorice, camphor, black currants and bouquet garni. Sexy and full-bodied with light to moderate tannin, it is already appealing, but with another year or two of bottle age, it will be even better. It should easily age for a decade, perhaps longer. (Dec 2012)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$50 list] Opaque ruby. A heady, complex bouquet of red and dark berry preserves, incense and cola, with subtle vanilla and black pepper accents emerging with air. On the palate, suave black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of candied violet, lifted by juicy acidity. Gentle tannins add grip to a long, spice- and smoke-accented finish that echoes the violet note. (Mar/Apr 2013)" Importer notes: "Opaque color. Wonderful nose combines black fruits, violet, pepper, spice, vanilla and a touch of smoke. New oak flavors lift the wine well. Dense and long. Almost more Hermitage than Crozes."