One of the top wines of the vintage, the 2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul is a quintessential Châteauneuf, boasting awesome aromatics of kirsch and blackberry liquor, garrigue, licorice, and minerals. Both decadent and fresh at the same time on the nose, the wine is full bodied and balanced on the palate, showing a gorgeous, silky texture, good acidity and a very long, focused finish. This is delicious now, but I think it will be even better in 4 to 6 years, and then drink well for 15+. In all the fuss over the ’07, don’t miss this wine!

One of the gems in the vintage is the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul, which in 2006 was 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah. Elegant, seamless and weightless, yet with full-bore intensity in its kirsch liqueur, garrigue and licorice-driven aromas and flavors, this sensational 2006 provides that rare mix of both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. It’s singing today, but will keep for another decade. - Jeb Dunnuck

Silky and forward with black tea melted licorice hoisin sauce mocha and currant fruit flavors gliding along cocoa-tinged tannins. Additional hints of tobacco chestnut and grilled beef flitter through the finish which has solid latent grip. Drink now through 2028. 1500 cases made. -JM