I find this to be probably the best vintage for Raymond Usseglio I have tasted. The level of concentration of the very ripe fruit is superb and there is just a whiff of oak to give a nice edge. Superbly balanced and with lovely length.

2010 to 2020

70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre

3 week fermentation in cement vats where it remains for another 10 weeks for malolactic fermentation before being transferred to oak casks for 12 months. Bottled unfiltered

14%

"Powerful, with dark cherry and currant fruit that cruises over notes of loam, garrigue and game. Rich, smoky finish is filled with black fruit and tea notes. Best from 2007 through 2021." 92/100 (James Molesworth, Wine Spectator)

"This is a classic Chateauneuf du Pape, redolent of aromas of seaweed, pepper, kirsch, spice box, and beautiful fruit flavors. The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard, which is an unfiltered selection put together by the American importer, exhibits more middle texture, slightly deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color than the regular bottling, and hints of sweet raspberries and cherries intermixed with nori (the sushi seaweed wrapper), spice box, incense, and new saddle leather. It is an impressively full-bodied, rich, successful wine to drink over the next 12 years." 92/100 (Wine Advocate)