CDP Cuvée Mon Aieul, Domaine Pierre Usseglio 2016

Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.

All Grenache, all whole cluster and from parcels in the lieux-dits of La Guigasse, Le Crau and Les Serres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has evolved beautifully since I tasted it last year, showing vibrant floral and tea-like notes, raspberry fruit and hints of licorice. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with overtones of spice cake on the long, crisp finish. Tasting it, I was surprised to find out what the alcohol level was, because it showed no obvious heat—a testament to how much else is going on here. Drink Date 2018 - 2030

A wine that’s going to challenge the 2007 and 2010 as the greatest vintage to date, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is an off the charts Grenache that packs a huge nose of black raspberries, spice, licorice and crushed flowers. Tasting like the essence of this hallowed terroir, with full-bodied richness, building, sweet tannin, no hard edges and a huge finish, don’t miss it!

Wow, the sample I tasted of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul was enormous. The blackberry fruit is intense and powerful yet retains a sense of elegance despite a touch of warmth on the finish.