2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée de Mon Aïeul, Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils, Rhône

One hundred percent old-vine Grenache, Mon Aieul is an old-vine power-house, its 15 degrees of alcohol  worn relatively lightly, its purity and power entirely as a result of the quality of the fruit, as there is no oak in its up-bringing; one for the longer term, this will strut and fret for a few years before a most poignant maturity.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

The Usseglio scions in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are nothing if not complicated; the names of both Domaines allude to the second generation but it is now the third generation in charge, in this case Thierry and Jean-Pierre….the wines, thankfully, are easy to understand; traditional of persuasion, the property describes itself as a ‘Maison de Grenache’ a house which is attempting to make wines that are as silky as they are robust.