97 Pts Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report

"Even better, and eclipsing the spectacular '07, the 2010 Chateau de Vaudieu Chaateauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu is a blend of 58% tank aged Grenache, and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre aged all in demi-muids. Sporting off the chart aromas of black fruits, graphite, licorice, singed leather, and toasted spice, this full-bodied, massive wine has a layered, seamless, and weightless texture, incredible richness, and serious concentration and backend structure. Despite the overall size here, this beauty has nothing out of place and remains oh so drinkable. It is superb now, yet will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age, and have upwards of two decades or overall longevity. Gorgeous stuff!" (10/12)

96 Pts Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Val de Dieu is dazzling. Made from 65-year-old vines, with the Syrah and Mourvedre aged in small barrels and the Grenache in neutral tanks, this is a spectacular 2010 even by the high standards of this vintage. It boasts a dense purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of black raspberry jam, graphite, licorice, forest floor and acacia flowers. Rich and multidimensional with exceptional purity, delineation and a 45-second finish, this blockbuster, fabulously well-balanced Chateauneuf du Pape should hit its prime in 2-3 years and last for 15-20."

"This large estate owned by the Brechet family has resurrected this real chateau, one of the few in Chateauneuf du Pape, to the top rank of estates in the village. The Brechet family has also done some remarkable work in Gigondas. Their consultant, Philippe Cambie, also deserves a lot of credit. The regular Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah and some Mourvedre. The Grenache is aged in tank and the other two varietals spend time in new 600-liter demi-muids. The Val de Dieu cuvee is composed of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre that is given the same treatment as the regular offering. The estate’s newest effort, the Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G, is 100% Grenache from some of the oldest vines. Chateau de Vaudieu is located east of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape, about one-half mile south of Chateau Rayas. With over 175 acres of vines, this property could be one of the most dominant forces in Chateauneuf du Pape, and it is very encouraging to see what they have accomplished over recent years. Most of their parcels are planted in sand-based soils, but some are also planted in limestone covered with the small boulders called galets roules. This is another organically farmed vineyard, and by the time this report is published, it may be certified as biodynamic as over three dozen of Philippe Cambie’s clients now are. The 2010s are major successes, even for this spectacular vintage." (10/12)

94 Pts Wine Spectator

"A warm, inviting and velvety style, offering notes of dark currant preserves, melted fig and boysenberry confiture layered with hints of dark ganache and pastis. The long finish drips with dark fruit, but a buried graphite edge provides balance. A large wine expected to fill out even more with cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2025. 100 cases made. -JM" (11/12)

93 Pts Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Vivid purple. Sexy, heady scents of candied red fruits, potpourri and incense, with a spicy topnote and a hint of vanilla. Lush and expansive, offering pliant red fruit preserve flavors that take on weight with air. Supple tannins build on an extremely long, sweet, mineral-driven finish. Very suave for the vintage, with surprising upfront appeal but with the depth and power to age." (02/13)