Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Not For You 2019

Tom and I had the pleasure of drinking this etherial Chateauneuf with Grégory Usseglio and it left us almost speechless as the flavours just go on and on for ever! The first ever vintage 2007 was never released but when tasted and reviewed by Robert Parker he gave it 100 points and wrote that it was 'not for you' and the name stuck. Still as rare as hens teeth, this is only the second commercial vintage and only 330 bottles from a single cask are made so the name is very apt. Both the 2016 and this the 2019 are 100 point wines, quite an achievement.

100 points Jeb Dunnuck

 The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041. (JD)  (10/2023)