Domaine Pierre Usseglio
Chateauneuf du Pape 2021

This domaine, located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it’s interesting to see that winemaker Thierry Usseglio has been increasing the use of whole bunches and use of amphorae. One of the nice things about this estate is that there is a clear delineation of quality throughout the range. While still rich and ripe, this is made in a very refined and elegant style.

This is a blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%), Cinsault (5%) and Mourvedre (5%). The  grapes for this cuvee come from several of the family’s vineyards with soils of sand, clay, limestone and rolled stones. This diversity of terroir gives a lovely complexity. The vines are between 35 and 75 years old. The grapes harvested manually with about 60% of the the bunches destemmed. It is aged for 12 months in a combination of barrique, double barrels and concrete. It shows typical kirsch, blackberry and black olive notes. There is a hint of cake spice as well as being quite floral. On the palate it is silky and smooth, a very elegant Chatauneuf du Pape in an appellation that is becoming heavy and clunky.

Aged in a combination of foudres and demi-muids, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Premiere Pierre was made from partially destemmed fruit. It mingles aromas of ripe raspberry, strawberry, red plum, red and black cherry, dried herbs and licorice. It is full-bodied, enveloped in plush tannins, and the sapid finish concludes with good persistence. Drink 2025 to 2038. Score 91-93, Nicholas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2023