2019 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
From a parcel of vines planted in 1902—about 95% Grenache, with a few other varieties interplanted—the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale doesn't appear to measure up to the prodigious efforts in prior (or successive) vintages. It has intricate herbal nuances and scents of cranberries on the nose, and while the fruit is more cherry-like on the palate, it remains a bit tight and ungenerous. Perhaps I just caught this at a difficult stage in its evolution, as the long finish is reassuringly supple and silky. I suspect time will show that I've underrated it, but I can just report on my findings from that day of blind-tasting. (JC) (92+?)
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A big, peppery, meaty nose of garrigue and red and black fruits emerges from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. Aged mostly in concrete, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, some firm, chewy tannins, good mid-palate depth, and plenty of length on the finish. It will hopefully gain more elegance with 2-4 years of bottle age and should keep for over a decade.
Deep, spicy and fragrant, this is a very concentrated and elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape with remarkably fine tannins and floral delicacy alongside its earthy primacy. Mainly produced from grenache vines planted in 1901 and 1902. From Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
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.