Francis Usseglio came to work in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards in 1931. The area became the first designated AOC in 1933. Francis obtained share cropping rights to 8 hectares in 1948 and began producing wine the next year. He purchased land in 1962. His son, Raymond, continued to expand the vineyard holdings. The estate is now comprised of 16 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 5 in Cotes du Rhone. All 13 permitted varietals are grown, but Grenache is the predominantly used varietal. The grapes are hand selected. The wine is macerated 2 to 4 weeks, then aged 12 to 18 months. “This is rock solid, with a great core of raspberry, blackberry and loganberry fruit, all supported by dark licorice, Turkish coffee, fruitcake and a hint of mesquite. The long finish pumps out a nice tarry intensity. I like the poise on this better than the chewier Cuvée Impériale. Best from 2009 through 2025. 450 cases imported” Wine Spectator rated 93 |
