In contrast to the tank-aged, Grenache-based Cuvée Imperiale, Usseglio's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape la Part des Anges is 70% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah, all aged in oak. Dark and potent, it marries deep, dark fruit aromas with scents of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is seamlessly smooth and focused, coming to a lingering, precise finish. Given the varietal makeup and elevage, I'd expect this wine to evolve positively for up to two decades. - Joe Czerwinski

(94+ points) The Mourvèdre-dominated 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Part Des Anges (which includes 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah) was all destemmed and spent 16 months in 80% new barrels, with the balance in concrete tanks. This cuvée comes from two lieux-dits, Les Terres Blanches and Le Mourre de Gaud. A much more modern style cuvée, it has a gorgeous perfume of crème de cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and scorched earth, with a kiss of classy oak in the background. Almost full-bodied on the palate, it has more notable density and depth on the mid-palate, with supple, ripe tannins, remarkable freshness and purity, and a great finish. This is certainly not for the traditional Châteauneuf du Pape-only lovers out there, as the oak is certainly present, but it’s beautifully balanced, the purity of fruit is top-notch, and it’s just a great Châteauneuf du Pape that I suspect will have a solid 15 years or more of longevity, which is saying something for a 2018.