Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Not For You 2019

Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae.

A wine you don’t see often (there’s only one barrel made), the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is 100% Grenache from the 100+ year old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, only made in the best vintages, 100% Grenache, mostly destemmed, with 3-5 week concrete vat vinification, before being aged in new 600-litre oak casks 24 months.

An array of red and black fruits, pepper, lavender and spicy oak. Incredibly unique, full-bodied and concentrated.

From the oldest vines of the estate, and not made every vintage (it was bottled previously in 2007, 2009 and 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You was still in demi-muids at the time of my visit (it spends two full years in oak). Despite the wood influence, floral elements shine through the cedary notes, adding welcome nuance to the flavors of black cherries, plums and milk chocolate. It's full-bodied and supple, with crisper acids than I would've expected, finishing clean and bright. Drink 2023-2040 - Joe Czerwinski, RobertParker.com, 96-98 points 

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - France
Region - Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 16%