2020 Domaine Usseglio Raymond & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale

2020 Domaine Usseglio Raymond & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale
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Producer: Domaine Usseglio Raymond & Fils
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
Blend: Rhone Red Blend
Year: 2020
James Suckling, 96 Points
"Deep, spicy and fragrant, this is a very concentrated and elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape with remarkably fine tannins and floral delicacy alongside its earthy primacy. Mainly produced from grenache vines planted in 1901 and 1902. From Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
Vinous, 95 Points
"Saturated magenta. Highly perfumed raspberry and cherry liqueur, exotic spice, incense and potpourri aromas are complicated by hints of musky herbs and smoky minerals. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate, offering pliant red berry, cherry cola, allspice and lavender flavors that show superb definition and back-end lift. Polished, even tannins lend grip to a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the floral and mineral notes. These vines were reportedly planted in 1901 and 1902."
Wine Advocate, 92 Points
"From a parcel of vines planted in 1902—about 95% Grenache, with a few other varieties interplanted—the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale doesn't appear to measure up to the prodigious efforts in prior (or successive) vintages. It has intricate herbal nuances and scents of cranberries on the nose, and while the fruit is more cherry-like on the palate, it remains a bit tight and ungenerous. Perhaps I just caught this at a difficult stage in its evolution, as the long finish is reassuringly supple and silky. I suspect time will show that I've underrated it, but I can just report on my findings from that day of blind-tasting."
Winemaker Notes:
"La Cuvée Imperiale is from our oldest vines, most of them 100 years old (planted in 1901-1902.) Extremely low yields (16-18 h/h) guarantee a wine that is dense and profound. The ancient Grenache vines bring to this cuvee their finesse and elegance. Will age for dozens of years. To be carafed during the first years. Because it is bottled without any filtration, some sediment – natural and beneficial to the aging process – is possible"
Alcohol: 15%
Demeter Certified Biodynamic
*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.