2021 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale

The Wine Advocate says:

The stunning 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale comes from old vines in two sandy parcels—one in Pied Long and one in la Crau. Exotic aromas of orange zest, Campari-like spice and exquisitely ripe cherries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky and creamy in texture yet airy and vibrant, with a long, zesty finish. It's a definite candidate for wine of the vintage, alongside its Mourvèdre-based stablemate, La Part des Anges.

And Vinous:

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale Vignes Centenaires stands out from the crowd. It is made from older than 120 years vines and harvested at miniscule yields of 16 – 18 hL/Ha. Precise aromatics soar from the glass: crushed violets, red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, exotic spices, dried lavender and a deliciously ferrous twist which I’ve also discovered in their 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Again, only three cases of this incredibly under-valued Chateauneuf superstar.

How under-valued: well, the Wine Advocate rates this well above Chateau Beaucastel and equal to their $500 Hommage Chateauneuf!