Cuvée Impériale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Sometimes you just want something dark and rich. Prunes, strawberry jam, leather and dried flowers. Pretty ripe stuff but did the trick.

Easy traditional Chateauneuf.

violets, suede & cured meats waft from the glass before dark berries, kirsch, crushed minerals, pepper, dried herbs & sage coat the palate ~ will be fun pairing over the next decade

Fabulous brightness of strawberry and cherry and wet stones. Crushed herbs and sage.

This was in very good shape, no age, still lots of body. Didn’t really blow me away, but it was solid.

This was better the second day. Robust and inky. Really great with our steak.

Usseglio is one of the finest Chateauneuf producers and this Cuvée Impériale has his 100+ years old vines. So think you can drink with a spoon. But its also really complex with all the spices ans flowers, garrigue and all. Outstanding. Needs several more years in the cellar. If you try before 2025 I suggest you decant 45 minutes before.

Nose of dark raspberries, licorice, beef fat, vanilla, menthol, and cinnamon.

Palate is quite reminiscent of raspberry jam. There is also vanilla and wood spice. Tannins are quite smooth.

This was the most dense and concentrated (and alcoholic) of the trio we tasted. A bit one dimensional now, but I'm curious where this style of CdP will go over time.

More mature, smooth flavors with more layers. Much more subtle than the entry level usseglio. Really great w food.

Way too young. Fruit is ripe but doesn't mesh well with the oak. Overall impression: red berries, smoke, tobacco, peppery, dry leaves, decent acidity, mid-high but not-so-smooth tannin (needs time to soften), full body with good finish. Definitely have potential to blossom