Usseglio, Raymond 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale

90-97% Grenache from 0.7 hectare on brown sandy soils on Les Pialons (N, 1901-02), from 1.7 hectares on clear sandy soils on La Girardette (N-E, at start of La Crau West, 1908) 3-10% Counoise, Cinsault, Terret Noir, white vines such as Clairette blanche. "dark red robe; the bouquet is profound, slow to emerge, has a very deep setting of plums, cloves and dried herbs attached. The palate glides along effortlessly, is most engaging thanks to its silky texture and manner, retains the juice in its content into a padded, rounded finale. It has good heart, sensible balance, a very true length, is well orchestrated throughout. It whispers its depth, an achievement in this hot, busy vintage." Drink until 2050!