Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard 2015 (750ML)

96 WA / 93 JD

The stunning 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard is blended exclusively for the American importer, Peter Weygandt, and bottled unfiltered. It's about 85% Grenache, with the balance made up of Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. What makes it so compelling is the combination of fragrant raspberries, sinewy tannins and silky finish, all of which suggest it will age well for 20 years after the vintage. It's powerful, concentrated and yet feels fresh and lively. Joe Czerwinski – The Wine Advocate

Slightly deeper and richer, yet no less tannic, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard is a custom blend done for importer Peter Weygandt. Black fruits, charcoal, roasted herbs and pepper all reluctantly emerge from the glass, and it's structured, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated. Tight and closed, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, yet has tons of potential.

This is an estate readers need to have on their radar as the quality has continued to improve in just about every vintage. - Jeb Dunnuck