94-96 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The newest cuvee, the 2009 Grand Grenache 66 (16.2% alcohol) is a tiny cuvee bursting with kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box. This is a stunning example of Grenache at its best, with wonderful freshness, and for Grenache afficionados, this is one to buy and drink over the next 15 or so years."

"One of the long-time benchmarks for superb Gigondas is Yves Gras' estate on the high plateau several kilometers outside the entrance to this old Roman village. He has also expanded into the negociant end of the business with his Santa Duc Selections, which are very reliable wines worth a serious look. Until 2007, there were consistently two cuvees of Gigondas made in top vintages. With the finest vintages, Gras has now added a 100% Grenache cuvee called Grand Grenache 66, from a tiny parcel of vines and essentially just one small foudre. Turning back to the basic wines, they offer good value and are top-flight wines. The newest baby for Yves Gras comes from his purchase of 1.23 hectares (essentially about 3+ acres) of old vines planted with 100% Grenache in the Chateauneuf du Pape lieu-dit in the very north known as Font du Loup." (10/11)

95 Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report

"One of the stars of the vintage, the 2009 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Grand Grenache 66, a selection of old vine Grenache that’s aged for 18 months in foudre, displays a translucent ruby color to go with perfumed, textbook Grenache aromas of kirsch liqueur, spice-box, white pepper, dusty minerality, and sappy garrigue that flows to a full-bodied, ethereal Gigondas. Needing the better part of the evening to fully flesh out, this beauty possesses a light, seamless texture, perfect ripeness, and a dry, classically styled finish. There's lots of ripeness here, yet it's in no way over the top and maintains a sense of balance and elegance. While superb now with a decant, it deserves 2-3 years of bottle age, and will have 15+ years of overall longevity." (06/12)

93 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Bright ruby. Explosive scents of red fruit preserves, mocha, lavender oil, black cardamom and star anise. Plush, sweet and seamless, with expansive raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of candied flowers. Wonderfully pure and silky in texture, with a spine of minerality providing focus and cut. Finishes very long, spicy and smooth, with resonating floral notes and serious punch." (02/12)