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2009 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul
Proprietary Blend: 1500ml
points awarded:
RR 94 ST 93 WA 92 WS 9294 points,
Rhone Report, The, September 2011
Showing much more evolved and open from bottle than barrel, the 2009 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul is 100% Grenache (from the lieux-dits Les Serres, La Crau, & Guigasse) that's aged 70% in tank, 30% in 300-liter demi-muid, and the rest in larger 600-liter barrels, with no new oak used. It shows a semi-opaque color to go with intensely perfumed aromas of sweet raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, licorice, and floral nuances on the nose. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine lacks the density and depth of a top vintage, but still possesses a powerful, seamless texture, beautiful balance, and a very long finish where the tannins are silky and fine- grained. This should be given 2-4 years in the cellar, at which point it should have 10-15 years or evolution.
92 points,
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2011
The dark ruby/plum 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul (in most years a blend of 95 to nearly 100% Grenache, aged 90% in cement tanks and the remaining 10% in demi-muids) is seductive and concentrated, with loads of plum, fig, blueberry and bouquet garni notes. With its lush, heady mouthfeel, full body, real opulence and silkiness, and some spice, this wine is on a relatively fast evolutionary track, and probably best drunk in its first 10-15 years of life. 92+
93 points,
Stephen Tanzer's IWC, February 2012
Full ruby. Intense black raspberry and mulberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of Asian spices, licorice and musky herbs. Bright and sappy on the palate, with a seamless texture to the spice-accented red and dark berry compote flavors. Notes of lavender and allspice carry through the long, juicy, nicely focused finish. I suspect that this wine will drink well on the young side.
92 points,
Wine Spectator, September 2011
Quite ripe, with layers of linzer torte, cassis and blackberry fruit piled on top of well-rounded tannins. Loads of spice and licorice ripple through the finish, with an underlying iron hint. Shows the focus and polish of the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2020. 1,000 cases made. -JM

