While this magnum of the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve didn't quite live up to its legendary 100-point status, it was no slouch. Hints of crushed flowers on the nose are joined by bright cherries and raspberries. Neither young nor old, it's full-bodied and silky in texture, with crisp acids on the long, lingering finish. Drink now and over the next decade.

Vibrant, saturated ruby-red. Incredible nose combines blackberry, blueberry, minerals, thyme, bay laurel, tree bark and licorice, as well as a torrefaction element from the new foudre (the 2000 Reserve was also aged in a new foudre). Thick but penetrating; an essence of blackberry, bitter chocolate and roasted herbs. A wine of superb material, but the components have not yet fully harmonized (the 2000 is more open today). Finishes with building, chocolatey tannins and superb length. The densest of these 2001s, but will it be as great as the 2000?

An off-the-charts effort that was one of my wines of the trip, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou is a spectacular effort that doesn’t put a foot wrong. Getting a bevy of incredible, spectacular, and a few other adjectives (i.e. expletives) in the notes, this rock-star-of-a-Chateauneuf boasts off-the-hook notes of blackcurrants, saddle leather, beef blood, pepper, spring flowers and licorice. Possessing full-bodied richness on the palate, with beautiful underlying structure and depth, this incredible effort represents the essence of this fabulous terroir, and is a thrilling drink that I wish every Rhone- lover could have the opportunity to taste.
100 points – Jeb Dunnuck (eRobertParker.com, Aug 2014

As frighteningly spectacular as the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou was (I’ve drunk a half dozen or more bottles since my initial report), the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou is one of the most monumental wines of this appellation I have ever tasted. A legendary effort that pays homage to the last vintage the late Jean-Denis Vacheron produced, it boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a terrific perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch, acacia flowers, melted licorice, and graphite. It possesses awesome purity as well as layers of concentration, yet a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol. Spectacularly long (the finish lasts over 60 seconds), it cuts a broad swath across the palate, yet is remarkably light on its feet. This amazing effort, a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah, is one of the strongest candidates for wine of the vintage in 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2022.
100 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #151, Feb 2004)