2012 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aieul
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The 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul has always reminded me of the estate 2006 with its beautiful elegance and charm. Coming from a mix of three terroirs – Les Grand Serres (96-year-old vines) in the south, La Crau (78-year-old vines) in the east, and La Guigasse (75-year-old vines) located in the center of the appellation – it's 100% Grenache brought up mostly in tank, with 10% in demi-muids. Loaded with beautiful kirsch and dark cherry fruit as well as licorice, peppery garrigue, flowers, and truffly earth, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant, hedonistic, yet finesse-driven Grenache is going to shine over the coming decade or more, as it still has a lively, youthful style, putting it on the early side of its prime drink window.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
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Similar in style to the 2006, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is rounded and textured, with tons of charm in its blackberry, black raspberry, violets, garrigue and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple and textured, it shows the vintage's upfront and forward character, yet has beautiful purity of fruit and enough density to drink nicely through 2027. Most 2012s are already showing nicely, and this is no exception.
Deep ruby. Pungent aromas of fresh raspberry, cola, floral pastilles and smoky minerals. Silky, sweet and concentrated, showing a supple texture to its sappy black raspberry and candied lavender flavors. A spicy quality contributes lift and bite but this is all about sappy, pure fruit at this stage. Luscious and seamless in texture, finishing with noteworthy punch, echoing florality and supple, late-arriving tannins that meld smoothly with the wine's sweet fruit.