The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is just now starting to shed a tiny amount of its abundant baby fat that's been front and center since release. Still, it pulls no punches in its thrilling aromas and flavors of kirsch liqueur, roasted garrigue, black raspberries, incense, cured meats and licorice, and it is about as quintessential Grenache as you can find. Thrillingly concentrated, intense, perfumed and layered with incredible balance, this full-bodied beauty should hit its peak in another 2-3 years and keep for at least a decade after that.

Vivid ruby. Exotic, complex nose displays scents of raspberry, smoky herbs, anise and gingerbread. Supple red and dark berry preserve flavors are seamless and alluringly sweet, and nicely lifted by tangy minerality. Manages to be both rich and lively, finishing with impressive clarity and persistent spiciness.

Robert Parker''s Wine Advocate 31/10/2009 There are 1,800 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Mon Aieul (100% tank-aged Grenache). It represents an awesome naked/virginal expression of Grenache from three vineyard parcels planted in sand, clay, and limestone soils. After tasting this wine on five separate occasions, I can state with certainty, it has the most saturated color of any Mon Aieul produced to date. Moreover, its perfume of blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice, roasted meat juices, and lavender is incredible. Full-bodied power, a multilayered mouthfeel, tremendous purity, and awesome concentration put this wine in a class by itself. This sensational Chateauneuf du Pape is still very young, and 3-4 years of cellaring is required. It should be a modern day legend and last for nearly two decades. Brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio have been accomplishing amazing things To reiterate, the 2007s are the most profound wines Thierry and Jean-Pierre have ever produced in Chateauneuf du Pape as evidenced by the 2007s, the greatest wines they have yet produced. The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul (100% Grenache) represents a naked expression of the three vineyards planted on sand, clay, and limestone. There are 1,700 cases of this 2007, which offers a surreal tasting experience. Soaring aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, licorice, roasted herbs, and grilled meats are followed by a wine of superb intensity, purity, multi-dimensions, and an endless finish. It should be drinkable when released, and age effortlessly for 15-20 years. It reminded me of the utterly profound 2003, with more freshness and depth. (96-99)