Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee de Mon Aieul

Mon Aiuel is made from old vine, low yielding Grenache (and some other bits!) from the top-quality producer Pierre Usseglio. With a little air, these are fabulous, old style Chateauneufs that just oozes class and quality. Mon Aieul sees no new wood at all - very much in the Rayas style. Sadly, as is the case with all these wines, quantities are always limited.

"1998: Creme de cassis intermixed with minerals and blueberries are reminiscent of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from the likes of Bryant Family Vineyard. Awesomely concentrated, extraordinarily pure, with moderately high tannin, fabulous length, and a youthful personality, it is undoubtedly the greatest wine Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio have ever produced." (Robert Parker, 12/01)

"One of the vintage's most profound wines, the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has a dense purple color as well as a glorious nose of blackberries, licorice, smoke, and some roasted meats and dried herbs. Amazingly opulent, even voluptuous, with extraordinary purity, a huge tactile impression on the palate, but not heavy by any means, this is a stunning Chateauneuf du Pape from ancient vines." (Robert Parker, 2/06)