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CDP Cuvée Mon Aieul, Domaine Pierre Usseglio 2016

Tasting Notes

Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.

100
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, August 2018

All Grenache, all whole cluster and from parcels in the lieux-dits of La Guigasse, Le Crau and Les Serres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has evolved beautifully since I tasted it last year, showing vibrant floral and tea-like notes, raspberry fruit and hints of licorice. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with overtones of spice cake on the long, crisp finish. Tasting it, I was surprised to find out what the alcohol level was, because it showed no obvious heat—a testament to how much else is going on here. Drink Date 2018 - 2030

97
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (238), August 2018

A wine that’s going to challenge the 2007 and 2010 as the greatest vintage to date, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is an off the charts Grenache that packs a huge nose of black raspberries, spice, licorice and crushed flowers. Tasting like the essence of this hallowed terroir, with full-bodied richness, building, sweet tannin, no hard edges and a huge finish, don’t miss it!

98/100
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, October 2017

Wow, the sample I tasted of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul was enormous. The blackberry fruit is intense and powerful yet retains a sense of elegance despite a touch of warmth on the finish.

94/96
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (233), October 2017
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.