Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale 2012 (1.5L)

95 WA / 94 WS

My favorite of the lineup, and one of the top Châteauneufs in the vintage, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Imperiale is 95% Grenache (5% other varieties) that comes from 100-year-old vines and the pure sand soils of the Piallon (near Rayas) and Girardette (near Charbonnière) lieux-dits. It offers awesome black and blue fruits, violets, licorice and crushed rock-like minerality in its full-bodied, balanced, pure and elegant profile. Impressively concentrated, inky colored and with sweet tannin, it’s capable of evolving for 12-15 years or more. JD – The Wine Advocate

Very fleshy in feel, with loads of velvety tannins carrying gorgeous notes of warmed fig, steeped boysenberry and lightly mulled raspberry fruit. The finish is riveted together by roasted alder and leather hints, giving this extra grip and range. Best from 2017 through 2027. 100 cases imported. — JM Wine Spectator