Usseglio, Raymond 2022 Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée Girard"

Since taking over the estate from his father Raymond, Stéphane Usseglio converted the estate to organic and Biodynamic farming (certified in 2010) and is now aging in the wines in cement vats and Stockinger casks bringing a new level of complexity and authenticity to the wines. Approximately 90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault and 2% Counoise, averaging 80 years of age. The 2022 "Girard" is a beautiful wine and one of the finest values of the AOC. "healthy dark red robe; the bouquet has a nicely sunny sweep led by red cherries, with an inner sense of thyme, local herbs. The palate starts with pleasing oiliness, connects well, has a terroir presence with intensity in its richness but never too much offered. It’s a genuine, rather stylish Châteauneuf, more complete than the 2023, plenty of engagement, with sustained length that for now brings in some grain-rockiness. This will be on wheels around eight years’ old, in a large balloon glass..." (drinkrhone) While the 2022 is supple and velvety in its youth, be sure to cellar some - best perhaps 2028 - 2040. Enjoy!