2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils, Rhône

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, 3% Cinsault and 1% Counoise. Partially destemmed and vinified in concrete tanks. Aged in a mix of foudres, old oak barrels and concrete tanks. Certified organic and biodynamic. Tank sample.Tasted blind. Primary nose – damson and plum notes. A liquorice note and fine, chewy tannins. An attractive leather note and sweet spice. Well-judged oak and a rich, powerful finish.Drink 2028 - 2040Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com (October 2023)

Leading off the reds with the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape (mostly Grenache with small amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise), it has a pretty, perfumed, elegant, and medium-bodied style to go with a floral perfume of sweet raspberry and cherry fruits, notes of baking spices and peppery, Provençal garrigue, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's a great example of the quality and style of this estate today. It will drink nicely in its youth yet evolve for 10-15 years if well stored.jeb_dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (October 2023)

The promising 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape (tasted from tank) boasts effusive cherry, stone fruit and garrigue notes. Full-bodied and silky-textured, it looks to be an excellent vintage for this cuvée, finishing with great length and elegance.In 2021, Usseglio said, "We were lucky to not get frosted—only five out of 25 hectares were affected." Of course, he and his pickers had to dodge the same raindrops as everyone else during harvest, but his 2021s have turned out really well. In 2022, he said, "We had a good winter, then it was very dry, with small berries. With the coolish nights, the vines didn't stop—we already had finesse at the end of August. The ferments went fast, malolactic was quick [and] the wines are accessible early, like 2007."If the wines really turn out like 2007, the 2022 vintage could be one for the ages—and not just at this domaine.Drink 2024 - 2035Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (September 2023)

Black cherry-infused thick ripe fruit, this is punchy for a Tradition cuvée. Not overly ripe or overly alcoholic however, just muscular and powerful. Not the most complex perhaps, but likely to be a good value option for those who like bold, thunderous Châteauneufs.Drink 2026 - 2032matt_walls, Decanter (September 2023)