The 2020 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is a red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France, specifically the acclaimed Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Produced by Pierre Usseglio, this wine is a proprietary blend, predominantly showcasing old-vine Grenache.
The wine has a noteworthy alcohol content of 15.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. Its color is a rich ruby/plum, hinting at the depth and complexity within.
Jeb Dunnuck, writing for jebdunnuck.com on November 11, 2022, awarded this wine an impressive score of 97 points. He describes the 2020 Cuvee de Mon Aieul as having "an incredible bouquet of mulled red and black fruits, sweet Provençal herbs, spice box, and graphite." Dunnuck praises its "sexy, full-bodied mouthfeel," noting the presence of "ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish." He compares it to the 2006 vintage and confidently states that it will "evolve for 15-20 years in cold cellars."
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, with a review date of May 5, 2022, assigns a range of 91-93 points to this wine. The reviewer highlights the wine's origins from three distinct lieux-dits: Les Serres, La Crau, and La Guigasse. This blend is described as "rather polite and restrained, with attractive raspberry shadings, silky tannins and a more elegant style than exhibited by past vintages."
Vinous, with a review by Nicolas Greinacher on June 29, 2023, gives the wine a score of 95 points. Greinacher describes the wine as having "enticing aromas of raspberry liqueur, ripe forest strawberry, red and black plum, black olive tapenade, licorice, abundant exotic spices and a splash of mint." He appreciates its full-bodied richness and the ripe tannins that "envelop the palate," noting the balance provided by "lively acidity."
In summary, the 2020 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is a highly regarded wine with an excellent structure and potential for aging. It is characterized by its rich fruit profile, balanced acidity, and elegant tannins, making it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.