Dear SommSelect Faithful:
Experience one of the most impressive tandems in Châteauneuf-du-Pape—Raymond Usseglio’s "Cuvée Imperiale" & "La Part Des Anges".
A Southern Rhône masterclass, showcasing how soil and varietal composition shape a wine’s identity. Purity and pedigree off the charts—both awarded top accolades in the 2021 vintage by Wine Advocate. Exceptional value compared to leading Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, with pricing well below similar 98- and 97-point offerings.
Highly Rated 2021 Châteauneuf Comparison:
- 2021 Clos Saint Jean "Deus Ex Machina" – WA98 @ $119 Avg.
- 2021 Beaucastel "Hommage à Jacques Perrin" – WA97 @ $350 Avg.
- 2021 Clos des Papes – WA96 @ $111 Avg.
- 2021 Raymond Usseglio "Cuvée Imperiale" – WA98 @ $75 (SommSelect)
- 2021 Raymond Usseglio "La Part Des Anges" – WA97 @ $75 (SommSelect)
This is a must-grab for the Rhône enthusiast and serious collector!
A traditional, biodynamically farmed blend led by 90% old-vine Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault adding depth. Sourced from 120+ year-old vines in the sandy soils of La Crau and Pied Long, this cuvée undergoes vinification and aging in cement vats, preserving Grenache’s purity. A benchmark bottling of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, consistently earning high praise, it stands as the Usseglio family’s signature expression.
97 Points, Wine Advocate:
"Exotic aromas of orange zest, Campari-like spice and exquisitely ripe cherries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky and creamy in texture yet airy and vibrant, with a long, zesty finish. It's a definite candidate for wine of the vintage, alongside its Mourvèdre-based stablemate, La Part des Anges." - Joe Czerwinski, Sept. 2023
