Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023
Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023 is a dry, very full-bodied red from Syrah (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is little. Good with lamb, beef stew, steak, chilli con carne. Drink within 20 years (to about 2043). Decant for about 1 hour. Biodynamic farming is mentioned by the merchant. Critic score 97/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf du Pape Boisrenard 2021 Domaine de Beaurenard · Rhône | £53.56 | |||
| Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2023 Le Vieux Donjon · Rhône | £49.28 | |||
| Chateau de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019 Chateau de Nalys · Rhône | £46.95 | |||
| Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape 2022 Clos Saint Jean · Rhône | £46.28 |
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Officially founded in 1964, but with a family legacy going back to 1948, Domaine Raymond Usseglio is one of the Rhone Valley's most stalwart estates. It is currently under the leadership of Stéphane Usseglio, a third-generation wine-maker who took over operations at age 22. Stéphane has overseen the winery's transition to biodynamic farming, and since 2015, Domaine Raymond Usseglio has been fully certified as organic. Stéphane prefers to use concrete vats to ferment his wines. Of the estate’s cuvée’s, their definitive Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend and this, the “Impériale”, are aged entirely in concrete. “Impériale” is a Grenache-based red blend, packed with floral scents of roses, ripe raspberry, cherry, thyme and exotic spices. The fruits are sourced from old vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, planted as far back as 1901. 15% alcohol is not to be shrugged at, but there is no perceptible heat. Instead, the palate is saturated with delectable fruits, red forest berries and cherry cola, all underpinned by peppery herbs and a solid earthiness. The finish is rich and juicy, topped with a vegetal, lavender note. Pair “Impériale” with thyme-infused lamb, beef stew or a veggie casserole.