R Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard 2017

Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France Wine Advocate 94 points! Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard is a gorgeous Grenache blend from this famous appellation in the southern Rhone. Stéphane Usseglio, son of Raymond, has taken over the domaine in the last few years and he is pushing to reach the potential of the family's holdings, some of the best of Châteauneuf. Half his vines are situated near the road in the lieu-dit "La Crau" and the other half on the hill across the road from the actual ruins of the new castle of the Pope. He has the good fortune to have very old vines. The average age for his Châteauneuf vines is between 50 & 60 years old and the cuvée Imperiale vines are over 110 years old. The Cuvée Girard is bottled exclusively for Peter Weygandt and is 85% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault filling out the blend. Considered one of the top producers in the appellation, Usseglio puts out consistently stellar wine every vintage. "A special cuvée made for American importer Peter Weygandt, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard includes a bit more old-vine Grenache, and it shows in the wine's increased elegance. It's more floral than the regular bottling, with scents of tea and roses, but it's also darker and richer, with black cherry fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and a long, layered finish." Drink 2019-2035-Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 94 points! Enjoy Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Girard with lamb chops, skirt steak, burgers and grilled vegetables.