2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils oversees 55 hectares of vineyards across various Southern Rhône appellations, with 22 hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. The estate has been under the guiding hand of Stéphane Usseglio since 1998, with his full inaugural vintage debuting in 1999. Embracing biodynamic farming practices from early on, the winery received the certification in 2011 and Biodivin certification in 2022. Stéphane Usseglio’s reds are notable for their polish, focus and nerve. While the whites, including the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Pure Roussanne and Pure Clairette, can be enjoyed upon release, the red wines are well suited for aging. The wines from the 2022 vintage promise even greater complexity after at least two more years in the bottle, depending on the cuvée. The pinnacle of the winery’s offerings is the Apôtres, which has been produced only in select years: 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. This complex red results from co-fermenting the 13 permitted grape varieties, followed by three months of post-fermentation skin contact and aging in amphorae. The 2022 Apôtres stands out for its concentration and complexity, balanced by exceptional tension and ample freshness. This year’s tasting has confirmed Stéphane Usseglio’s status as a dedicated and forward-thinking winemaker.