Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des 2 Freres 2020

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.

100% Grenache from Charbonnières, mostly destemmed with 3-5 week concrete vat vinification. Aged in 80% new 228-litre oak casks and 20% 600-litre oak casks for 14 months. 

Ample, concentrated, this cuvée develops aromas of black fruits, liquorice as well as smoky notes. The texture is unctuous and the tannic structure requires a few years of aging.

The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des 2 Freres raises the quality bar higher, offering scents of cedar, dried spices and black cherries. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Serine (Syrah), aged in new barrels, it's full-bodied, rich and plush in feel, finishing long and velvety. I've said this before, but it bears repeating—I'm not usually a fan of maturing Grenache in small-format new oak vessels, but it seems to work in this case, resulting in a wine that's somehow dessert-rich, yet savory and not overbearing, with a soft, almost pillowy impression on the palate. - Joe Czerwinski, RobertParker.com, 95-97 points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - France
Region - Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV -16%