Raymond Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale 2019, 75cl
Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Impériale is one of the appellation’s great expressions of old-vine Grenache, produced from exceptionally low yielding vines planted in 1901 on classic galet-strewn soils. Fermented with whole clusters and aged in concrete, it has remarkable depth, purity and intensity without ever becoming heavy - a benchmark Châteauneuf du Pape and a must for serious Rhône lovers. Superb with slow roasted lamb, côte de boeuf, venison, duck, Provençal beef stew or richly flavoured mushroom dishes. Its combination of ripe Grenache fruit, spice and freshness is particularly good with herb roasted lamb.
Domaine Raymond Usseglio has firmly established itself among the Southern Rhône’s leading estates. Third generation vigneron Stéphane Usseglio crafts wines of exceptional depth and finesse from some of Châteauneuf du Pape’s finest terroirs, including century old Grenache vines close to Château Rayas.
"Coming all from very old vine Grenache and brought up in tank, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Imperiale offers a smoking bouquet of vivid black raspberry and cassis intermixed with lots of flowery incense, licorice, and spring flowers. Reminding me of a Grand Cru Red Burgundy on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a vibrant, tight, focused texture, polished tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. It’s one classy Châteauneuf du Pape that will evolve for two decades. Drink 2020-2030." Jeb Dunnuck