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Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report
"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."