Usseglio/Pierre Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2019

98+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache, from the different terroirs (one sand, one clay, and one limestone) that was 50% destemmed and aged all in older demi-muids. Reminding me of the 2007 with its incredible perfume of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, flowery incense, peppery and Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. A wine of incredibly purity, precision, and elegance, yet also with power and opulence, this sensational effort is in need of 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades. Drink: 2024-2045. (11/3/21)"

98 points/'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$125 list] Typically a standout even amongst the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this monumental bottling is sourced from 75- to 90-year-old Grenache planted in a diversity of pebbly, sandy and clay soils. Fermented partially in whole clusters, it offers black-cherry and raspberry flavors that are herculean in ripeness yet silken and deft, lifted by streaks of salt, crushed stone and smoke. A stunner in youth, the wine will likely improve through 2035 and hold further. Alcohol 15.5%. (May 2022)"

96 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "All Grenache, all whole cluster, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul combines hints of menthol and steaminess with big blackberry and raspberry fruit. Full-bodied, creamy and lush, it finishes long and velvety, a tour de force of Grenache. Drink: 2023-2035. (5/5/22)"

96 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby garnet, violet reflections, broad ochre rim. Fresh black forest berries underlaid with fine nougat, ripe cherries, some plums, a hint of figs. Powerful, some dark chocolate, ripe tannins, mineral, sweet finish, still shows some baby fat, but also great length, should only be drunk from 2025. (4/11/22)"

95 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): " Made purely from Grenache, the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aïeul is a sexy beast. It bursts with expressive aromas of alluring red and black fruits, cured meat, garrigue, licorice, crème de cassis and some smokiness. Stating 15.5% alcohol on the label, the 2019 Mon Aïeul is full-bodied, opulent and packed with ample flavor concentration. A complex powerhouse with a long-lasting finish. Only 5,000 bottles produced. Drink: 2026-2039. (Jun 2023)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$125 list] This has the heady edge of the vintage, with gutsy blackberry, plum and fig compote notes forming the bulk of the wine, while singed juniper, warm stone and tar notes score the finish. Delivers a nice licorice snap at the very end for a finishing kick. Best from 2023 through 2035. 300 cases made, 160 cases imported. (12/31/21)"