2023 Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale
Grape
Mostly Grenache with about 10% composed of Counoise, Cinsault, Terret Noir and Clairette Blanche. Sourced from Centenarian vines planted in 1901 and 1902.
Its Origins
“This third-generation family domaine of Italian origins is run today by Raymond’s son, Stéphane Usseglio. The estate counts 24-hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all of which have been managed biodynamically since 2011. Their vineyards are divided equally between the galet-strewn parcels around Orange, the sandy soils of Courthézon, and the alluvial, clay soils of the Crau plateau and the village of Bédarrides. Stéphane continues to innovate, using small, new oak barrels alongside the traditional foudres, as well as experimenting with concrete and terracotta amphorae of all shapes and sizes. His ’20s are powerful, filled with structure and concentration, but also surprising freshness. Their complexity leaves you going back for more, and they are undoubtedly very age worthy." -BBR. "Readers looking for the next superstar estate in Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône need to get on Raymond Usseglio’s bandwagon ASAP as the quality here is equal to anything out there today." - Jeb Dunnuck.
What The Critics Say
98/100 JamesSuckling.com, Stuart Pigott
"What a great 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape this is. Enormously deep and concentrated but also refined, with a slew of floral aromas alongside perfectly ripe red fruit. Then comes the breathtaking finish in which structure and delicacy are precisely matched, and it just doesn’t want to stop. 92% grenache from vines planted in 1901 and 1902, with a small amount of white grape varieties inter-planted. Matured exclusively in concrete tanks. Bottled unfiltered. Drinkable now, but best from 2026."
93-95/100 Vinous, Nicolas Greinacher
“The sexy 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale Vignes Centenaires unwinds with pronounced orange blossom, wild strawberry, black cherry, dried herbs and a suggestion of licorice. Leafy subtleties add more complexity and freshness. Boasting elevated flavor concentration kept in check by bright acidity, the full-bodied 2023 bundles ample energy and checks out with persistence on the layered finale. ” Drink 2028 - 2041
| Variety | Grenache |
|---|---|
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2026 - 2041 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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