2018 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Cuvée de mon Aïeul Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1.5L magnum, Southern Rhone

More kirsch liqueur, violets, white pepper, and garrigue notes emerge from the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul, a 100% Grenache cuvée that was partially destemmed and brought up all in demi-muids. As usual, this cuvée comes from older vines in the La Crau, la Guigasse, and les Serres lieux-dits, which are a mix of more pebbly and sandy soils. It ratchets up the intensity over the classic cuvée yet stays beautifully balanced with a weightless texture, a great mid-palate, and a blockbuster of a finish. It’s not going to be the longest-lived vintage for this cuvée (which is common in 2018), but it’s going to put a big smile on your face anytime over the coming 10-15 years.
 
96 points Jeb Dunnuck

100% Grenache (planted 1918-38) from galet stone covered soils on Les Serres (S), sandy soils on Les Bédines (N-E), clay soils on La Crau (E), part destemmed, 3-5 week concrete vat vinification, pumping overs, aged 80-90% concrete vat, 10-20% 2-3 year old 300-litre & 600-litre oak casks 12-14 months.