Usseglio, Raymond 2021 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard

Stephane Usseglio has made another very attractive "Girard" in 2021 - is it the best value of this vintage? Approximately 90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault and 2% Counoise, averaging 80 years of age.  "Steady red robe; the nose has appealing clarity, leads on raspberry, brisk red cherry fruit, with a discreet note of herbs, dusty trails. There’s a hint of reduction, so decanting an aid. The palate plays to the virtues of the vintage via its crystalline red fruits, the tannins bright and in sync. It’s an en finesse, precise, most attractive Châteauneuf, well in tune with the usual house style. 14.5°. Drink from mid-2024, its fresh manner allowing early drinking, until 2044." -drinkrhone