Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Deux Freres 2001

The 2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Deux Frères elicits exclamations of awe. Aged 60% in neutral wood foudres and 40% in one, two, and three-year-old Burgundy barrels, this 2001 vintage, boasting an impressive 16.2% natural alcohol content, presents an inky/purple color and an exceptionally pure bouquet of blackberries, graphite, acacia flowers, licorice, and sweet kirsch liqueur. Luxuriously textured and full-bodied, with elevated tannins and a reserved personality, this extraordinary Châteauneuf-du-Pape has the potential to become a legend. It necessitates 3-5 years of cellaring and has the capacity to age gracefully for two decades. The texture, purity, and magnificent concentration suggest minimal yields, ancient vines, and an approach to winemaking that avoids unnecessary intervention. It's worth noting that this wine represents a selection of the finest lots in the cellar, with the sources being the same as those for the Cuvée de Mon Aïeul. However, a significant portion of Deux Frères comes from the Usseglio holdings in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape sector known as La Crau.. Jeb Dunnuck