Producer: Domaine Pierre Usseglio  
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France  
Varietal: Grenache  
Year: 2019 

Jeb Dunnuck, 98+ Points 

"One of the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache, from the different terroirs (one sand, one clay, and one limestone) that was 50% destemmed and aged all in older demi-muids. Reminding me of the 2007 with its incredible perfume of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, flowery incense, peppery and Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. A wine of incredibly purity, precision, and elegance, yet also with power and opulence, this sensational effort is in need of 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades." 

Wine Enthusiast, 98 Points 

"Typically a standout even amongst the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this monumental bottling is sourced from 75- to 90-year-old Grenache planted in a diversity of pebbly, sandy and clay soils. Fermented partially in whole clusters, it offers blackcherry and raspberry flavors that are herculean in ripeness yet silken and deft, lifted by streaks of salt, crushed stone and smoke. A stunner in youth, the wine will likely improve through 2035 and hold further." 

Wine Advocate, 96 Points 

"All Grenache, all whole cluster, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul combines hints of menthol and steaminess with big blackberry and raspberry fruit. Full-bodied, creamy and lush, it finishes long and velvety, a tour de force of Grenache. This domaine, located in the village of Cha?teauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. One of the nice things about the 2020s at this estate is that there is a clear delineation of quality throughout the range, a distinction that has been blurred somewhat in past vintages. I'm not sure if it's a deliberate attempt at this on their part or just a product of the vintage, but it is a welcome development. And fans of the rich, ripe style here need not worry about the wines' taking a different tack, they just come across as a bit more refined and elegant than in the past." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"Made purely from Grenache, the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aïeul is a sexy beast. It bursts with expressive aromas of alluring red and black fruits, cured meat, garrigue, licorice, crème de cassis and some smokiness. Stating 15.5% alcohol on the label, the 2019 Mon Aïeul is full-bodied, opulent and packed with ample flavor concentration. A complex powerhouse with a long-lasting finish. Only 5,000 bottles produced." 

Alcohol: 15.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.