Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvée Girard 2022

Dark and powerful, this makes a bold statement on the full-bodied palate, but unlike so many 2022 Chateauneufs it doesn't edge in the rich and creamy direction. It has a cornucopia of black fruit, black olive and tar aromas. Major tannins, but they are very fine and give the finish energy and drive as well as structure. A cuvee based on old-vine grenache with syrah, mourvedre and counoise from biodynamically grown grapes. Matured almost exclusively in concrete tanks. Drink or hold.

Prominent strawberry, licorice, garrigue and a dash of white pepper frame the medium- to full-bodied 2022 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard. Offering great energy and focus, the 2022 shows absolutely no rough edges and finishes rather savory. The blend this year is 85% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre and 7% Syrah. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Girard is also terrific. A partially destemmed blend of 90% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of varieties, it has savory darker cherry fruits, some peppery garrigue, smoke, and meaty nuances, medium body, a ripe, round, seamless mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Brought up mostly in concrete tanks, it's going to evolve nicely over the coming decade.