"Quite ripe, with layers of linzer torte, cassis and blackberry fruit piled on top of well-rounded tannins. Loads of spice and licorice ripple through the finish, with an underlying iron hint. Shows the focus and polish of the vintage. Best from 2012 through
2020." (WS)
"The dark ruby/plum 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul (in most years a blend of 95 to nearly 100% Grenache, aged 90% in cement tanks and the remaining 10% in demi-muids) is seductive and concentrated, with loads of plum, fig, blueberry and bouquet garni notes. With its lush, heady mouthfeel, full body, real opulence and silkiness, and some spice, this wine is on a relatively fast evolutionary track, and probably best drunk in its first 10-15 years of life.
One of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape is that of the two brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio. Their cellars are just north of the village, adjacent to the walls of the ruins of the pope’s palace. They have nearly 60 acres under vine, and make three cuvees of red wines in the top vintages. Their classic or traditional cuvee is made from a blend of mostly Grenache, with some Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Their mostly unoaked, tank-fermented and -aged Mon Aieul comes from very old vines (about 85 years of age) and tiny yields, while their cuvee Des Deux Freres leans in a slightly more modern direction for Chateauneuf du Pape, with 50% of it now aged in small barrels, 20% in tank, and 30% in 600-liter demi-muids." (WA)
"Dark ruby. Musky aromas of blackberry and spice cake, with complicating fennel, smoke and truffle notes. Dense, spicy and focused, with deep dark fruit flavors joined by a sexy floral element on the palate. Not a fat or fleshy style but in no way hard. Finishes long, with lingering sweetness and smokiness." (IWC) |
