2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale

A killer bottle of Grenache that's not fully mature and is drinking right in the middle of its prime drink window, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale is still ruby/plum-hued with no bricking at the edges, yet it clearly has shed most of its primary aromatics now. Blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked meat, licorice, leather, and herbes de Provence/lavender all define this incredibly pure, silky, seamless Chateauneuf du Pape. It still has some tannins as well as awesome concentration, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a full-bodied, majestic, seamless style that needs to be tasted to be believed. It has another 15-20 years of prime drinking, so count yourself lucky if you have bottles in the cellar.

A candidate for perfection, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale Vignes Centenaire is clearly the greatest wine I have ever tasted from Raymond Usseglio, even eclipsing their remarkable 2007. Don’t be surprised if it merits a three-digit score in five or six years. Somewhat closed, but bursting with potential, the wine is inky/purple to the rim and boasts abundant amounts of concentrated, jammy blackberry, kirsch, licorice, lavender, forest floor, white chocolate and a hint of truffles in its magnificent perfume. Some tannins appear in the mouth, but there is no doubting the luxurious concentration, multidimensional mouthfeel, full-bodied texture, enormous extract and richness, and nearly endless finish. This monumental Chateauneuf du Pape needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and consumed over the following 2-3 decades. This classic winemaking estate, which employs the well-known Xavier Vignon as their consultant, owns over 45 acres spread throughout Chateauneuf du Pape, with the largest holdings in the north. Raymond Usseglio’s 2011s are very strong efforts. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800