Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

An absolutely profound offering, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige requires 5-6 years of cellaring given its massive concentration and tannic structure. The wine was relatively closed the day I tasted it, but it did display an inky/purple color along with hints of camphor, graphite, creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice and espresso beans. Full-bodied and moderately tannic with gorgeous freshness, glycerin and a skyscraper-like texture, this superb cuvee should be at its finest between 2018-2030+. (RP)

(10/2012)

Jeb Dunnuck

As with the 2011, the 2010 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige shows lots of similarities to the Cuvée Réservée, yet has better tannin (which is saying something), as well as an old vine sappiness to the fruit and a touch more barrique. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Counoise and Vaccarese that is from 90+ year-old vines and aged in foudre and 1-year-old demi-muids, it has thrilling aromatics of kirsch liqueur, black raspberry, melted licorice, graphite, and copious amounts of spice and garrigue that just come soaring from the glass. Full-bodied, concentrated, and vividly fresh and focused, with masses of polished tannin and an elegant texture, this rock star 2010 needs 3-5 years of bottle age, yet will evolve gracefully for 2 decades or more. 95+ points.

(09/2012)

Wine Spectator

This has power and guile, with dense layers of blackberry, Black Mission fig and black currant fruit lined with substantial but velvety tannins. The long, spice- and black tea-infused finish has a good bass line in the background. Best from 2017 through 2030. (JM, Web-2013)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Opaque purple. Explosive aromas of candied black and blue fruits, incense and lavender, with suave mocha and Indian spice nuances adding complexity. Lush and expansive but very lively, offering intense black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a strong floral pastille quality. Supple tannins add shape to a strikingly long, seamless and floral finish. (JR)

(01/2013)