2011 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of dark berry preserves, licorice, garrigue and minerals. Rich but lively on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and notes of lavender and black tea. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the finish, which features supple tannins and a late jolt of white pepper.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
As to the reds, the 2011s and 2012s are both solid, with the nod going to the 2012s. The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the balance Syrah, Cinsault and other allowed varieties, displays quality black raspberry, spice, toast and licorice aromas and flavors to go with a medium-bodied, supple and straightforward palate. There’s solid purity here and this workhorse-styled Chateauneuf should be consumed in its first decade of life. Drink now-2021. Covering 45 acres (37 in red and the rest planted to white varieties) spread throughout Chateauneuf du Pape, this top-notch estate has been run by Raymond Usseglio’s son, Stephane, since 2004, with consulting help from Xavier Vignon. These wines are consistently outstanding and warrant serious attention. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler; tel. (610) 486-0700
40% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 10% Bourboulenc. Deep straw. Ripe and round and like a Cuvée Spéciale. Lovely texture and tension. Almonds. (JR)
About the producer
Domaine Raymond Usseglio is one of the leading producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, producing a number of different red and white cuvées from the appellation. The domaine’s most famous wine is their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Impériale, which comes exclusively from vines that are over 100 years old.
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault, Bourboulenc
Red
Dry