Domaine Raymond Usseglio Cotes du Rhone Les Claux Rouge 2019
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2018 version of this wine and the 2019 Cotes Du Rhône Les Claux is certainly cut from the same cloth. Based on a mix of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, its deep purple color is followed by a rich, meaty, Provençal wine that has lots of mulled red and black fruits, notes of black licorice and black pepper, medium to full-bodied richness, and a clean, lengthy finish. This young, concentrated Cotes du Rhône is ideal for drinking over the coming 5-6 years or so.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Boysenberries, blueberries and hints of redder fruit emerge on the nose of the 2019 Cotes du Rhone les Claux, a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. It's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, generous feel and a silky texture accompanied by a gorgeous sensation of freshness and lip-smacking acidity on the long finish.
The property, originally started by Raymond Usseglio, covers 16 ha of AOC Chateauneuf du Pape, one of which is planted with white varieties and 5 ha of Cotes du Rhone and 3 ha of IGP. Stephane Usseglio, son of Raymond, is the third generation to take over. He is pushing to reach the potential of the family’s holdings, some of the best of Chateauneuf. Half his vines are situated near the road in the lieu-dit "La Crau" and the other half on the hill across the road from the actual ruins of the new castle of the Pope. He has the good fortune to have very old vines. The average age for his Chateauneuf vines is between 50 & 60 years old and the cuvee Imperiale vines are over 110 years old. The domain started conversation into agriculture biologique in 2012.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.