2003 Pierre Usseglio CDP Mon Aeiul Chateauneuf du Pape

2003 Pierre Usseglio CDP Mon Aeiul

98 RP

Featured Review

The best bottle of this I've had (and I've had plenty), Usseglio's 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is a blockbuster and one of the true stars of this vintage. Almost all Grenache (there's a small part of Syrah and Cinsault) that was harvest between September 1-13, partially destemmed and aged in both tank and foudre, this massive, voluptuous effort is almost overflowing with notes of ground herbs, chocolate dusted meats, black fruits and licorice. Showing none of the negative traits of the vintage, with beautiful purity and freshness, sweet tannin, and a great finish, enjoy this utterly hedonistic beauty over the coming 4-5 years. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker | 98 RP

The 2003 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul offers up a stunning nose of raspberries, earth, licorice, spice, charred wood and a slightly roasted, meaty quality that I just cannot get enough of and causes my mouth to water. A medium to full bodied palate with a big, mouth coating, velvety texture that just grips your mouth. Gobs of sweet tannins show up on the incredibly long finish.

Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JD

Really silky for an '03, with gorgeous raspberry ganache and cassis fruit that glides atop grilled herb, mineral and tar flavors. Long, authoritative finish shows lots of grip and fruit. A powerful yet racy wine. This really rocks. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 95 WS

Deep, bright, violet-tinged color. Powerful scents of kirsch, roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, bacon fat and candied violet. Fabulously rich and concentrated, with densely packed but pure and precise flavors of berries, plum, cherry cola, floral pastille and charred meat. This sees only 5% oak. Finishes ripe and thick, with very persistent roasted berry flavors.

Vinous Media | 92 VM

Type of Wine	Chateauneuf du Pape : You can expect Chateauneuf-du-Pape reds selection to wash over you with a combination of leather, game, tar, and delicious dried herbs, creating a spice mixture that commands respect from even the harshest non-believers. Chateauneuf-du-Pape whites are ever so refreshing and bold, frolicking in a field of floral notes and earthy minerals.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Rhone : While the Northern Rhone produces only about 5% of all wine coming out of the Rhone Valley, the quality of these bottles is not to be underestimated. The terroir in this region is heavenly for growing Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne or Rousanne - the only permitted grapes in the AOC. Picture this - the Rhone flows through the valley like an azure thread piercing the landscape, a reflection of the dreamy skies hovering above the vineyards, ready to produce rainfall at a moment's notice. The rocky soil of the steep, almost surreal hillsides provides a bountiful feast for the grapevine roots. The flavors and texture of Northern Rhone wines tell you everything you need to know as soon as your lips touch the elixir, like a whisper in the vigorous valley winds As per the Southern Rhone wine, it is like taking a plunge into a whirlpool of juicy flavor. Every sip explodes forward like a crashing tsunami, bathing your tastebuds in delicious aromas of prune, chocolate, grass, and black fruit. The wines are so compelling that it can be hard to drink them casually at a social event without getting lost in their intricate textures and emotional depths. Let's set sail together, and drink deep from these luxurious bottles with our friends and loved ones.

Producer	Domaine Pierre Usseglio : Francis Usseglio moved to the Rhone Valley from Italy in 1931 and began what would become the creation of two separate Usseglio producing estates. The family domaine, which would eventually become Domaine Pierre Usseglio, was founded in 1948 when Francis was able to procure an 8-hectare parcel in Southern Rhone. It would eventually be taken over by his son Pierre Usseglio (thus the domaine name) while his other son, Raymond, created his own winery. Domaine Pierre Usseglio is located on the left bank of the Rhone, where the terroir is quite diversified; consisting of sandy, clayey, or stony soils and covered by the famous rolled pebbles found throughout the Rhone Valley. These stones have a particularity of storing heat throughout the day and then diffusing it into the root system overnight. This vital aspect of the terroir results in greater maturity of the berries. Thirteen different grape varieties thrive in this diverse soil, which offers a great complexity of aromas and good structure in the final production of Pierre Usseglio wines. Today, the domaine covers 39 hectares, 24 of which are red Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, 1 hectare of white Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, 6 hectares of red Lirac, and 6 hectares of Cotes-Du-Rhone. Pierre Usseglio also owns 2 hectares of Vin de Pays (wine from France) which are managed by his two sons, Jean-Pierre, and Thierry. The domaine Chateauneuf-Du-Pape AOC wines are the most well-known and the jewels of their portfolio. These vineyards of 24 hectares are planted to 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. One hectare is planted to 70% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc and 5% Bourboulenc and are used to produce their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc. The Domaine Pierre Usseglio line up is quite impressive and consists of their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve des Deux Freres and their highly esteemed, highly sought-after Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul. Mon Aieul has received consistent, highly-rated professional reviews. It hails from vines located in the famed La Crau and Pignan Lieu-dits and is extremely limited with an annual production of a mere 650 cases. Deux Freres produces only 500 cases annually, while the Blanc sees a miniscule production of 250 cases each year. Domaine Pierre Usseglio has risen to the pinnacle of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape and is considered one of the greatest producers in the appellation.