2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul

The best bottle of this I've had (and I've had plenty), Usseglio's 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is a blockbuster and one of the true stars of this vintage. Almost all Grenache (there's a small part of Syrah and Cinsault) that was harvest between September 1-13, partially destemmed and aged in both tank and foudre, this massive, voluptuous effort is almost overflowing with notes of ground herbs, chocolate dusted meats, black fruits and licorice. Showing none of the negative traits of the vintage, with beautiful purity and freshness, sweet tannin, and a great finish, enjoy this utterly hedonistic beauty over the coming 4-5 years.

The 2003 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul offers up a stunning nose of raspberries, earth, licorice, spice, charred wood and a slightly roasted, meaty quality that I just cannot get enough of and causes my mouth to water. A medium to full bodied palate with a big, mouth coating, velvety texture that just grips your mouth. Gobs of sweet tannins show up on the incredibly long finish.

Deep, bright, violet-tinged color. Powerful scents of kirsch, roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, bacon fat and candied violet. Fabulously rich and concentrated, with densely packed but pure and precise flavors of berries, plum, cherry cola, floral pastille and charred meat. This sees only 5% oak. Finishes ripe and thick, with very persistent roasted berry flavors.