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 bold Expression of Châteauneuf-du-PapeCrafted from Mourvèdre-dominated vineyards on the prestigious Terres Blanches plateau, this cuvée is a testament to power and elegance. The limestone-rich soils, layered with galets roulés, enhance structure and depth. This is the first vintage aged in demi-muids (600L oak barrels), 80% new, delivering refined oak integration and luxurious texture. Cellar-worthy for another 10–12 years, promising even greater complexity over time. A standout among high-Mourvèdre blends, surpassing even the revered Château Beaucastel in depth and character.
98 Points, Wine Advocate:
" … the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape la Part des Anges is the first vintage of this cuvée to be vinified in demi-muids. The cedar seems more subtle and better integrated than past vintages as a result, adding nuance to the other aromas of crushed stone, plums and black cherries. Full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, with a near-limitless finish, this is simply super stuff." - Joe Czerwinski, Sept. 2023
