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2024 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul PRERATING

A beautiful wine in the making with a deeper ruby hue, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul comes from the Les Serres, La Crau, and Guigasse lieux-dits and is all resting in used demi-muids. It offers ripe black berries, assorted darker berries, sappy herbs, and sappy flowers on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a graceful, layered mouthfeel, and ripe tannins. There won’t be a reserve in 2024, as they felt the vintage didn’t allow them to deliver the quality of style of that cuvée, but this certainly appears to be a beautiful wine.

One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck 2024

2023 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul

Coming from the Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau lieux-dits, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mon Aïeul was vinified with 100% whole clusters and raised in neutral demi-muids. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty offers up black cherries, roasted herbs, candied violets, and pepper in an almost overflowing Provençal style. Medium to full-bodied, it’s incredibly layered, seamless, and sexy, with perfectly integrated tannins, gorgeous purity, and outstanding length. It reminds me slightly of the 2006 and will drink beautifully over the coming 20 years. Drink 2025-2045.
One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2022 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul

The crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is 100% whole cluster fermented Grenache raised mostly in demi-muids. It doesn’t get more Provençal than this beauty, whose deeper ruby hue is followed by a killer nose of darker cherries, blackberries, olive tapenade, licorice, and peppery garrigue. With medium to full-bodied richness, the sun-kissed, perfumed, complex style of the vintage, ample opulence and fat, and sweet, integrated tannins, it’s a stunning, classic expression of this cuvée to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. There’s no Reserve Des Deux Freres in the vintage, as the team didn’t feel it was warranted in the vintage.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2021 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul

Up with the biggest, baddest wines in the vintage, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache) sports a deeper ruby/plum hue to go with gorgeous aromatics of blackberries, roasted garrigue, black licorice, and meaty, spicy nuances. Not destemmed and aged all in used demi-muids, this medium to full-bodied, balanced, nicely concentrated 2021 can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years. It’s an incredible success in the vintage.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2020 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache (from three terroirs) that was not destemmed and is still resting all in used demi-muids. Incredible aromatics of blackberries, ground pepper, toasted spice, raspberries, and flowers all emerge from this deep, full-bodied, yet wonderfully elegant barrel sample that makes the most of this great vintage. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 15-20 years with no issues, and I’d certainly put this up with the top handful of wines in the vintage.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2024 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre

Brought up in foudre and demi-muids (there’s a tiny 2% new oak), the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre has a medium-bodied, juicy style with black cherries, sappy herbs, violets, and pepper. It’s nicely textured, has solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a fresher, crunchy yet still ripe style that will drink nicely right out of the gate.
One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2024 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Vin De France L’Unique Sciaccarello

Based on 100% Sciaccarello, the 2024 Vin De France L’Unique Sciaccarello is a fresh, crisp, crushable red that could easily function as a fresh white or rosé next to a pool. It shows crunchy berries and peppery herbs with medium body, juicy acidity, and a clean, easy finish. This delicious wine will put a smile on your face over the coming year or two. Drink 2025-2026.
One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

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Jeb Dunnuck (10/30/2023)

2023 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre

Checking in as 75% Grenache from La Crau, La Serre, Guigasse, and L’Escaouland with 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Clairette, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre was destemmed and aged in foudre, barrels, and demi-muids, with the latter being almost all used. It’s beautifully polished, balanced, and elegant, with ripe blackberries, cherries, Provençal herbs, and flowers with a hint of licorice. Medium-bodied and pure, it has balanced, ripe tannins and a great finish. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years or more.
One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2022 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Première Pierre is terrific, with the classic Provençal style of the year as well as ripe red and black fruit, peppery garrigue, sandalwood, and spicy nuances. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant, seamless mouthfeel, and fine tannins, all making for an incredibly elegant classic cuvée.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2021 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape Premiere Pierre

Another terrific success in the vintage, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Première Pierre has beautiful notes of spiced cherries, new leather, peppery garrigue, and assorted Provençal, spicy nuances that carry to a medium bodied, ripe, expansive 2021 with fine tannins and tons of character. It makes the most of the vintage and is well worth your time and money. It will evolve for a decade.
One of the leading estates in Châteauneuf du Pape is unquestionably Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now working full-time with the estate as well. The lineup has shifted slightly over the years, with their Côtes du Rhône being replaced by the L’Unique label, which is released as a Vin de France. They produce a terrific Lirac, both red and white. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, the classic red and white are now released under the label Premiere Pierre, and they’ve added the new Clos Pierre Usseglio 18 Cépages, which includes all 18 of the permitted grape varieties, red and white. The Cuvée Mon Aïeul and Reserve des Deux Freres remain unchanged and are two brilliant, yet dramatically different, expressions of Grenache.

— Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020)
© 2020 Jeb Dunnuck | Reprinted with Permission

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Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019)

2023 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils French Wine L’Unique

Based on 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault, Marselan, and Merlot, the 2023 Vin De France L’Unique was vinified in concrete and aged six months in wooden tronconique tanks. Beautiful stuff, it offers mulled cherries, hints of raspberries, peppery herbs, and tons of Provençal spice. It’s medium-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It would be a sensational house red or by-the-glass wine to drink over the coming 2-4 years. Drink 2025-2029.
One of the leading estates (as well as a personal favorite) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now taking a larger and larger role. They farm roughly 60 hectares and produce a wide range of wines, including a Vin de France L’Unique (which replaced their Côtes du Rhône), a terrific Lirac in both red and white, and several Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The Première Pierre is the classic cuvée (75% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault), and there’s also the fun and eclectic Clos No 18, which includes all 18 permitted varieties… it’s never my favorite but always fun to taste. The two flagship cuvées are the Mon Aïeul (100% Grenache from Les Serres, Guigasse, and La Crau, vinified with whole clusters and aged in neutral demi-muids) and the Reserve des Deux Frères (100% Grenache from old vines, aged entirely in new barrels). These are two brilliant yet dramatically different expressions of Grenache. The 2023s are spectacular, with both the Mon Aïeul and Reserve reminding me slightly of the domaine’s 2006s (which are brilliant). The family opted not to produce their Reserve des Deux Frères cuvée in 2024, yet certainly the Mon Aïeul showed well.

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Jeb Dunnuck (10/30/2023)

2021 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils French Wine L’Unique

Based on Grenache, Marselan, Merlot, Mourvedre and Syrah, the 2021 Vin De France L’Unique is another impeccably made, delicious wine from this estate. It has plenty of dark cherry fruit, some herbal, peppery nuances, medium body, and a round, delicious style perfect for near-term drinking.
One of the leading estates in Châteauneuf du Pape is unquestionably Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now working full-time with the estate as well. The lineup has shifted slightly over the years, with their Côtes du Rhône being replaced by the L’Unique label, which is released as a Vin de France. They produce a terrific Lirac, both red and white. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, the classic red and white are now released under the label Premiere Pierre, and they’ve added the new Clos Pierre Usseglio 18 Cépages, which includes all 18 of the permitted grape varieties, red and white. The Cuvée Mon Aïeul and Reserve des Deux Freres remain unchanged and are two brilliant, yet dramatically different, expressions of Grenache.

See more

Jeb Dunnuck (10/30/2023)