2022 Usseglio Les Claux Cotes du Rhone
Grape
Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre
Its Origins
“This third-generation family domaine of Italian origins is run today by Raymond’s son, Stéphane Usseglio. The estate counts 24-hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all of which have been managed biodynamically since 2011. Their vineyards are divided equally between the galet-strewn parcels around Orange, the sandy soils of Courthézon, and the alluvial, clay soils of the Crau plateau and the village of Bédarrides. Stéphane continues to innovate, using small, new oak barrels alongside the traditional foudres, as well as experimenting with concrete and terracotta amphorae of all shapes and sizes. His ’20s are powerful, filled with structure and concentration, but also surprising freshness. Their complexity leaves you going back for more, and they are undoubtedly very age worthy." -BBR. "Readers looking for the next superstar estate in Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône need to get on Raymond Usseglio’s bandwagon ASAP as the quality here is equal to anything out there today." - Jeb Dunnuck.
What The Critics Say
90/100 View from the cellar, John Gilman
"The Côtes-du-Rhône “les Claux” is a single vineyard bottling from Stéphane Usseglio, with the wine made from a blend of one-third each of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre. The vineyard lies on the border with Lirac and the vines are in excess of fifty years of age. The 2022 version tips the scales at fourteen percent alcohol and delivers a youthfully complex bouquet of dark berries, hung game, pepper, coffee bean, a fine base of soil, campfire and just a hint of celery seed in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, peppery and youthful, with a fine core of fruit, chewy tannins and good focus and balance on the long, tangy and promising finish. This has just a touch of a youthful green streak to it, which I assume hails from either the drought or the hail of the vintage. But, it also seems like one of those wines where that touch will turn to an interesting savory element in the wine with bottle age, rather than mar the aromatics or flavors. But, it will need a bit of cellaring to soften up its underlying tannins. 2029-2040+"
93/100 JamesSuckling.com, Stuart Pigott (2021 vintage)
"I love the precise balance of full southerly ripeness with a touch of northerly freshness. Stacks of fully ripe red fruit aromas and remarkably fine tannins for this appellation make this stand out in the crowd. Long, complex, spicy finish. A cuvee of grenache, mourvedre and syrah. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold."
| Variety | Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2030 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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