Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf du Pape 2019

Smells just like dry clay on a summer’s day. There’s a good dried fruit character on the nose too, but it’s quite discreet. Excellent balance of healthy tannins, fruit and minerality of the medium to full-bodied palate. Long, warm and polished finish. Drink or hold.

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape looks terrific and will be a solid buy. Lots of darker raspberry and currant fruits, notes of peppery herbs and violets, medium to full body, ripe tannins, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish all make for a stunning classic cuvée that will drink nicely for 15 years or more.

Stéphane Usseglio's entry-level Chateauneuf is the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape, about 80% Grenache, blended from several terroirs and raised almost exclusively in tank. It features red raspberries and gentle herbal undertones on the nose, while being full-bodied, soft, creamy and plush in the mouth. It finishes silky and easy, but with a slightly bitter note. Tasted blind.