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Pierre Usseglio
Chateauneuf du Pape
'Cuvée de Mon Aieul'
2016
$99 per bottle
Arriving in January
In case you were not aware or had forgotten, 2016 was a stunning and sublime vintage in Chateauneuf du Pape. Rather like Piedmont in the same year, it has a delicious synthesis of the ubiquitous ripeness which is never a problem in the Southern Rhine these days, with elements of true elegance which is rare in these wines that regularly hit 15% alcohol.
Mon Aieul sits below Deux Freres in the hierarchy of the Usseglio's stable but it is is a less dense and 'sweet' wine than Deux Freres and will please those of us who look for more 'breed' and elegance from this powerhouse appellation.
This is a great Chateauneuf that will easily age with grace for 5 to 10 years, though there is no need to wait.
100 points Jeb Dunnuck -
"Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks. When you consider what this estate has accomplished over the past two decades, it’s easy to include Domaine Pierre Usseglio as not only one of the top addresses in Châteauneuf-du-Pape but in all of France as well. They have been on a sensational roll since 1998 and have yet to put a foot wrong. And that’s apparent with these latest 2016s, which I believe are the best wines ever produced here. In addition to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases, the estate makes a fabulous Côtes du Rhône and Lirac, both of which over-deliver. (Drink between 2021-2041)"
97 points The Wine Advocate -
"All Grenache, all whole cluster and from parcels in the lieux-dits of La Guigasse, Le Crau and Les Serres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has evolved beautifully since I tasted it last year, showing vibrant floral and tea-like notes, raspberry fruit and hints of licorice. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with overtones of spice cake on the long, crisp finish. Tasting it, I was surprised to find out what the alcohol level was, because it showed no obvious heat—a testament to how much else is going on here." - Joe Czerwinski
96 points Vinous -
"Limpid ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, spice-accented aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri and incense expand steadily with air. Palate-staining raspberry and boysenberry flavors are complemented by an exotic floral pastille quality and suggestions of star anise and allspice. Rich but bright and energetic as well, showing superb finishing clarity, smooth, well-knit tannins and persistent florality. Made entirely with whole clusters and aged in a 60/40 combination of concrete vats and oak demi-muids. (Drink between 2024-2033)" - Josh Raynolds
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