2022 Pierre Usseglio Premier Pierre Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley

Pierre Usseglio is one of the great family names of Châteauneuf du Pape. Founded by Francis Usseglio after his family emigrated from Italy to the Southern Rhône in the 1930s, the estate has become a benchmark producer under the guidance of Jean Pierre and Thierry Usseglio. Known for wines that combine concentration, elegance and a profound sense of place, the domaine consistently ranks among the appellation's most respected names. Premier Pierre is a tribute to the family's founder and showcases the estate's classic interpretation of Châteauneuf du Pape.

The 2022 vintage delivered beautifully ripe fruit while retaining freshness and balance, producing wines of both generosity and structure. Grenache forms the backbone of the blend, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault from old vine parcels spread across the appellation. The famous galets roulés, large rounded stones that blanket many of the vineyards, help radiate warmth and promote even ripening, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity.

Deep ruby red with purple highlights, the nose is packed with aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum, layered with lavender, thyme and rosemary. Notes of licorice, cracked pepper and warm baking spices emerge with time in the glass, alongside hints of dark chocolate and olive tapenade. The palate is rich and beautifully textured, delivering concentrated dark fruits wrapped around silky tannins and savoury garrigue flavours. Fresh acidity provides lift and balance, while the finish is long, powerful and wonderfully persistent.

This is a magnificent partner for slow roasted lamb shoulder, duck confit, beef daube, grilled eggplant with olive tapenade or a rich wild mushroom casserole. While already impressive with a decant, the wine has the structure and pedigree to evolve beautifully over the next fifteen years, developing even greater savoury complexity and nuance.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.