Imperiale is sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards, majority of which are planted in 1901 and 1902. Yields are extremely low, ensuring a dense and deep wine. The old Grenache vines contribute finesse and elegance so this wine can age for decades.

The 2021 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a distinguished red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France. Made predominantly from Grenache grapes, this proprietary blend boasts an alcohol content of 15.0%. The wine is produced by Domaine Raymond Usseglio, utilizing old vines that are over 120 years old, resulting in minuscule yields of 16-18 hL/Ha. The wine is fermented and aged in concrete vats and is Demeter-certified biodynamic.

This wine has received high praise from several prominent reviewers. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a remarkable 97 points, describing it as "stunning" with "exotic aromas of orange zest, Campari-like spice and exquisitely ripe cherries." They further noted its "silky and creamy" texture and "airy and vibrant" palate, alongside a "long, zesty finish."

James Suckling also gave it an impressive 95 points, highlighting its "very deep, smoky and meaty" nose with an "exotic twist." Suckling emphasized the wine's "stunning combination of freshness and concentration" and noted the "impeccably balanced and precise palate" with a "long, structured finish."

Jeb Dunnuck echoed these sentiments with a 95-point review, mentioning its "sumptuous notes of black cherries, strawberries, candied violets, and Provençal herbs." Dunnuck described the wine as "medium to full-bodied," with a "ripe, layered mouthfeel," and "plenty of ripe tannins."

Vinous rated it at 94 points, appreciating its "precise aromatics" and "excellent purity." They noted the wine's "firm tannic structure" and "great persistence on the savory finish."

Decanter also rated the wine at 94 points, praising its "lovely sense of purity and clarity to the forest berry fruit" and "expressive blueberry and blackberry" flavors. They suggested giving it time due to its "fair whack of fine tannin."

Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, also contributed a 94-point review, pointing out its "spicy, peppery, black raspberries, flowers, smoky herbs, and kirsch notes." Leve highlighted the wine's "elegant, supple-textures, and freshness," with a finish that "delivers lift and energy."

Overall, the 2021 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a well-crafted and highly acclaimed wine, celebrated for its complexity, depth of flavor, and excellent aging potential.