2012 Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Magnum 1.5L, Rhone

A pretty, elegant and medium-bodied effort, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre and Cinsault) offers plenty of black raspberry, toasted spice, licorice and hints of garrigue. A sweetly fruited, rounded and beautifully textured 2012, it has an upfront feel that allows it to drink nicely now, but it will have 10-12 years of longevity based on its balance.

Brother Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio continue to manage this estate's 55 acres brilliantly, and their wines are always some of my favorites in a vintage. In addition, they're another Châteauneuf du Pape estate that's investing in Lirac, which lies just over the Rhone river from Châteauneuf du Pape. Their 2012s are superb, and, while they fall short of what was accomplished in 2010 and 2007, they're on par with the 2009s and loaded with character. While I would never turn down an opportunity to drink these wines in their youth, they age beautifully. I was able to taste the '07 and '98 Mon Aieul, as well as the '05 Reserve des Deux Freres during my visit, and these are all thrilling Châteauneuf du Papes that are just about as good as Grenache gets. This is an impeccably run estate and you can't go wrong here.

Jeb Dunnuck robertparker.com

Using 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault produced a wine with an array of flowers, licorice, red berry and spicy scents. The wine delivers a wave of fresh cherries and fennel in the finish.

92 points Jeff Leve thewinecellarinsider.com

Few names are more respected in Châteauneuf du Pape than Pierre Usseglio. Founded by Francis Usseglio after his family settled in the Southern Rhône during the 1930s, the estate has become one of the benchmark producers of the appellation. Today, Jean Pierre and Thierry Usseglio continue the family tradition, crafting wines that combine old vine concentration, regional authenticity and remarkable longevity. A mature magnum of Châteauneuf du Pape from this revered domaine offers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of one of the Rhône's classic estates.

The 2012 vintage produced beautifully balanced wines with generous fruit, refined tannins and excellent ageing potential. Sourced from old vine Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the wine reflects the distinctive terroirs of Châteauneuf du Pape, including the famous galets roulés that store and radiate warmth throughout the growing season. Ageing in large traditional vessels has preserved freshness while allowing the wine's complexity to develop naturally over more than a decade.

Deep garnet red with brick tinged highlights, the bouquet is wonderfully mature and expressive. Aromas of dried cherry, blackberry and plum are layered with notes of leather, tobacco leaf and dried Provençal herbs. As the wine opens, nuances of licorice, truffle, forest floor and exotic spice emerge, revealing the complexity that only time can bring. The palate is silky and beautifully integrated, combining savoury dark fruits with earthy depth and fine, resolved tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine vibrant and balanced, while the finish lingers with notes of spice, garrigue and mature Grenache character.

This magnum is perfectly suited to celebratory meals, pairing beautifully with slow roasted lamb shoulder, duck confit, beef daube, venison or truffle infused mushroom dishes. Already at a wonderful stage of development, the large format will allow it to continue evolving gracefully for many years to come.