2016 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf Mon Aieul

Wow, the sample I tasted of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul was enormous. The blackberry fruit is intense and powerful yet retains a sense of elegance despite a touch of warmth on the finish. 94-96 points

(vat/casks, bottling March 2018) very dark red robe, all the way up, glistens with wellbeing. The bouquet is a curvy, suavely fruited affair, has ease and style delivered discreetly above its depth. The palate is mega juicy, a real basket of abundance, attacks on wavy red stone fruits with flecks of herbs such as rosemary, also laurel. It finishes with serious, lasting and refined length. This handles its power well thanks to the richness, and is a handsome wine, deserving a good haunch of venison or a rich beef dish. 5*