With no Mon Aieul or Reserve des Deux Freres in the vintage, all of the juice went into their 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre and aged half in concrete and half in foudre (Mourvedre and Syrah in demi-muid), it’s a gorgeous wine in the vintage and has layers of sweet black raspberry fruit, licorice, spice-cake and garrigue all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textured, with no shortage of fruit, this beauty will drink nicely through 2021. Drink now-2021. An estate that continues to churn out outstanding wine after outstanding wine, regardless of the vintage, Domaine Pierre Usseglio is obviously in fine hands with brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio running the show. Covering roughly 55 acres in the appellation, they normally produce three Chateauneuf du Papes: a traditional made cuvee that’s roughly 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault; a Grenache dominate Cuvee De Mon Aieul that’s aged in concrete tank; and their top Reserve des Deux Freres, which normally includes some Syrah and sees a small portion in new oak barrels. There was only one Chateauneuf du Pape produced in 2011, and no Reserve des Deux Freres in 2012. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

This has a juicy feel, with ample anise, plum sauce and toasted spice hints backed by a good graphite edge on the finish. Drink now. 2,400 cases made. –JM