2018 Domaine Raymond Usseglio 'Cuvée Impériale' Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Winemaker Notes:  Three parcels, one in Pialons, one in Girardette, and one in Grand Pierre, 110+ year old vines as they were all planted 1901 and 1902. Field blend of 90+% Grenache and the balance the other 12 varietals. Aged 100% in concrete tanks from miniscule yields (average 15hl/ha) is Burgundian-like for its floral minerality and complexity on the palate.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Most of the vInes for the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale were planted in 1902, mainly Grenache, with a few other scattered plants of other varieties. Full-bodied and concentrated, it boasts massive flavors of raspberries and cherries, with just enough herbal intricacies woven into the fabric of the wine to impart a sense of lightness and freshness—it positively tingles on the long, long finish. Produced from biodynamically grown fruit at yields just half the maximum permitted by the appellation (16–18 hectoliters per hectare, versus 35), it's a tremendous effort. Despite the early hour of my appointment back in June 2019, this was one of my favorite visits of that trip, so it was a pleasure to taste through the lineup of bottled wines this summer. The 2018 Cuvée Imperiale is one of the top wines of the vintage, but perhaps the wine that captured my attention the most was the 2019 Le Peche Originel, a vin de France made from Cinsault. Buy some if you can find any."


Jeb Dunnuck - "A forward, charming example of this cuvee, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Imperiale is almost all old-vine Grenache that was brought up in concrete tanks. It offers a ruby/purple hue as well as a beautiful perfume of raspberries, candied violets, peppery spices, and flowery incense. With medium to full-bodied richness, an elegant texture, the more moderate concentration and depth of the vintage, and outstanding length, drink this beauty anytime over the coming 10-12 years. 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. I still remember writing in 2016 how the quality was on the uptick, and there’s no better example than these latest 2018s and 2019s. The 2018s shows the more pretty, elegant style of the vintage, yet bring ample depth and concentration. The 2019s are a step up and offer another level of depth and concentration. Both vintages show incredible purity of fruit and balance. In addition to his Châteauneuf du Pape, don’t miss the Côtes du Rhônes and Vin de France releases!"