2016 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Deux Frères

A deeper, darker color compared to the Mon Aïeul, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is also 100% Grenache that was completely destemmed and brought up all in wood, with 20% being new. This cuvée is always a selection of the best lots in the cellar. Crème de cassis, blackberries, white flowers, candle wax, cured meats, street market and spice nuances all soar from the glass of this awesome wine. Deep, incredibly full-bodied, and powerful, yet also light on its feet and graceful, with elegant tannin, it's an extraordinary wine that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for two decades. 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.

I'm not typically a fan of Grenache aged in new, smaller oak vessels, but the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des 2 Freres works. It's 100% Grenache aged in new 300-liter barrels for 14-15 months. Vanilla and baking spices make themselves known, but this full-bodied, plush wine offers waves of Christmas cake-like flavors and unimaginable enveloping softness, balanced by decent acids and a long, supple finish. It's considerably fresher than I remember the 2015 being.