2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale
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Tasting notes
The Cuvée Impériale is another success in 2018, made from old vines which were mostly planted in 1902. The nose is dense and deep, with fresh red fruit underlined by white-pepper notes. On the palate, there is a very fresh mouth-feel, with a minerality that comes from tank-ageing. Notes of wild red berries are enhanced by refined, fresh and precise tannins. It’s impressive how Usseglio managed to retain such freshness in this rather hot vintage, without losing any balance. Here, the 95% Grenache blend is more traditional in its structure and aroma profile than La Part des Anges. But these are two completely different wines. The finish is profound and elegant and lasts at least a couple of minutes after sipping, it is absolutely delicious, but will benefit from cellaring.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A forward, charming example of this cuvee, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Imperiale is almost all old vine Grenache that was brought up in concrete tanks. It offers a ruby/purple hue as well as a beautiful perfume of raspberries, candied violets, peppery spices, and flowery incense. With medium to full-bodied richness, an elegant texture, the more moderate concentration and depth of the vintage, and outstanding length, drink this beauty any time over the coming 10-12 years. Readers looking for the next superstar estate in Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône need to get on Raymond Usseglio’s bandwagon ASAP as the quality here is equal to anything out there today. I still remember writing in 2016 how the quality was on the uptick, and there’s no better example than these latest 2018s and 2019s. The 2018s show the prettier, more elegant style of the vintage, yet bring ample depth and concentration. The 2019s are a step up and offer another level of depth and concentration. Both vintages show incredible purity of fruit and balance. In addition to his Châteauneuf du Pape, don’t miss the Côtes du Rhônes and Vin de France releases!
Most of the vInes for the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale were planted in 1902, mainly Grenache, with a few other scattered plants of other varieties. Full-bodied and concentrated, it boasts massive flavors of raspberries and cherries, with just enough herbal intricacies woven into the fabric of the wine to impart a sense of lightness and freshness—it positively tingles on the long, long finish. Produced from biodynamically grown fruit at yields just half the maximum permitted by the appellation (16–18 hectoliters per hectare, versus 35), it's a tremendous effort.
About the producer
Domaine Raymond Usseglio is one of the leading producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, producing a number of different red and white cuvées from the appellation. The domaine’s most famous wine is their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Impériale, which comes exclusively from vines that are over 100 years old.
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault, Counoise
Red
Dry