2019 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You (Pre-arrival)

Jeb Dunnuck (97-98) – A wine you don’t see often (there’s only one barrel made), the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is 100% Grenache from the 100+-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit that’s brought up in a new demi-muid. It’s a monster of a wine offering a Southern Rhône street market-like array of red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, lavender, cured meats, and spicy oak. Incredibly unique, full-bodied, heady, and concentrated, it’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a singular Châteauneuf du Pape I suspect best enjoyed at the end of a meal.

Wine Advocate (96-98) – From the oldest vines of the estate, and not made every vintage (it was bottled previously in 2007, 2009 and 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You was still in demi-muids at the time of my visit (it spends two full years in oak). Despite the wood influence, floral elements shine through the cedary notes, adding welcome nuance to the flavors of black cherries, plums and milk chocolate. It’s full-bodied and supple, with crisper acids than I would’ve expected, finishing clean and bright.