1998 Domaine Pierre Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape, de Mon Aieul, Bottle (750ml)

1998 Usseglio - Wine Advocate # 138 December 2001: I have been a great believer in this wine since I first tasted it, but never has it shown as well as it did at these tastings. The color is a dense blue/purple. The wine appeared closed after bottling, and is still tight, but oh, so promising and loaded. Creme de cassis intermixed with minerals and blueberries are reminiscent of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from the likes of Bryant Family Vineyards. In the mouth, earth, pepper, and Provencal notes tip the scales in favor of Chateauneuf du Pape. Awesomely concentrated, extraordinarily pure, with moderately high tannin, fabulous length, and a youthful personality, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink well for 2-3 decades. It is undoubtedly the greatest wine Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio have ever produced. Issue #131 rating: 95
Domaine Pierre Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape, de Mon Aieul