Who knew a $25 ‘Turkish’ CdP would be so popular? We’ll get more next time, promise. Until then, you’ll have to accept this top shelf 97 POINT (with 2x 95) Usseglio as a condolence prize.

For this wine we stick with the Xavier Vignon winemaking team but turn to Châteauneuf proper to bring the flagship USSEGLIO cuvée - for $35 OFF?!

Dunnuck called this wine “pure, unadulterated, incredibly compelling” and the other pros described it as “very seductive” and “intense, concentrated and lusty”.

This is EVERYTHING you hope for in a serious CdP and then some.

This is Raymond and his son Stéphane Usseglio, from smack in the middle of La Crau where they share vineyards and fame with Raymond’s brother Domaine Pierre Usseglio. Both are similar in style and have their own cult following. If you collect prized Rhône wines and have no Raymond in your stash, that must change today.

With the ubiquitous Xavier Vignon as consultant, they hit big scores consistently, however, as Wine Advocate points out, “the prize parcels here were planted in 1902 and go into the Cuvée Imperiale bottling” which you’re looking at! And as Jeb Dunnuck attests “this is an estate readers need to have on their radar as the quality has continued to improve in just about every vintage.”

Wearing FAT scores like medals on a general, this superb 2019 collectible won’t last either.

97 Points – Fallstaff

“Strong ruby garnet, violet reflections, broader ocher edge brightening. Delicately of dried herbs, red heart cherries, fine nuances of wild berries, floral touch of violets. Juicy, fresh and elegant, ripe cherries and blackberries, silky, supporting tannins, mineral and long-lasting, with certain development potential, already very seductive.”

96 Points – James Suckling

“Deep, spicy and fragrant, this is a very concentrated and elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape with remarkably fine tannins and floral delicacy alongside its earthy primacy. Mainly produced from Grenache vines planted in 1901 and 1902. From Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

96 Points – Wine Cellar Insider

“Deep, rich, dark and packed with notes of roses, kirsch, cherries, spice and thyme, this is stunning from start to finish. While the wine is intense, concentrated and lusty with its 15% alcohol, there is no sense of heat as all that gorgeous, fresh, sweet, ripe, pure fruit grabs your nose and palate from the start and stays with you all the way through to its seamless finish. The wine is produced from mostly old vine Grenache vines close to 120 years of age and with the 2019, the old-vine intensity shines through here, loud and clear. Drink from 2024-2040.”

95+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale is almost all Grenache (there’s 5% of other varieties), and it’s another gorgeous wine from this estate. Reminding me of a great Gevrey-Chambertin with its darker red and black fruits, peppery herbs, earth, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness and has ripe tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. This pure, unadulterated, incredibly compelling Grenache needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will deliver the goods for upwards of two decades. Drink 2023-2044.”

95 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The lineup of wines at Domaine Raymond Usseglio has been expanding in recent years, with an increase in overall quality as well. Raymond’s son, Stéphane, is now in charge of winemaking. The family’s 30-hectare estate includes many vines that are over a century old. A wide range of vessels are utilized in the cellar, ranging from large concrete vats to barriques. The wines are typically aromatically expressive straight out of the gate. The user-friendly character of the last three vintages has suited the house style well, and I suspect that the 2019s, in particular, will surprise people with their ability to age and evolve. Saturated magenta. Highly perfumed raspberry and cherry liqueur, exotic spice, incense and potpourri aromas are complicated by hints of musky herbs and smoky minerals. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate, offering pliant red berry, cherry cola, allspice and lavender flavors that show superb definition and back-end lift. Polished, even tannins lend grip to a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the floral and mineral notes. These vines were reportedly planted in 1901 and 1902. Drink 2026-2036.”