Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Pierre Usseglio 2017

From yields that averaged under 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a lush, full-bodied beast, loaded with plummy fruit and shadings of licorice and peppery spice. It's got less Grenache than usual in the blend, being comprised of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault.

The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape includes slightly less Grenache than normal due to the dismal yields and is a rough blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault that was 60% destemmed and aging 80% in foudre. It’s more elegant than the 2016 and has a medium to full-bodied, balanced, classic style as well as outstanding notes of black cherries, dried herbs, loamy soil, licorice, and pepper. It will keep for 10-12 years.

Rich, peach-custard aromas with spicy and nutty nuances. The palate has intense and weighty fruit with a good concentration of pears, apples and subtle minerals through the finish.