Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos Usséglio n°18 2018 - red wine

One of the more interesting experimental cuvées I was shown this year, Usseglio's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee 18 Cepages incorporates all of the appellation's permitted varieties in a blend that's approximately half noir and half blanc and rosé grapes. One row of each variety was harvested for this project, and the grapes were destemmed and co-fermented in amphorae. It's understandably light in hue (although definitely red), with attractive floral, rose petal and peppery spice notes set against hints of red berries and stone fruit. Full-bodied and silky-textured, it's an intriguing look at a direction the appellation may pursue in the future.