Stéphane Usseglio, son of Raymond, has taken over the Domaine in the last few years, and he with his oenologist Xavier Vignon, is pushing to reach the potential of the family’s holdings, some of the best of Châteauneuf. Half his vines are situated near the road in the lieu-dit “La Crau” and the other half on the hill across the road from the actual ruins of the new castle of the Pope. He has the good fortune to have very old vines. The average age for his Châteauneuf vines is between 50 & 60 years old, and the cuvée Imperiale is 100-year old vines. We are now taking all of the Roussanne pur that he can vinify for us. Considered one of the top producers in the appellation, Usseglio puts out consistently stellar wine every vintage. Peter Weygandt's requested unfiltered blend of about 90% Grenache (30% 115 year old vines, 70% average 50 years), 4% Mourvèdre, 4%Syrah, 2% Cinsault and 2% Counoise. A Chateauneuf that one can drink young, or 7 to 10 years.

Robert Parker 94 Points A special cuvée made for American importer Peter Weygandt, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard includes a bit more old-vine Grenache, and it shows in the wine's increased elegance. It's more floral than the regular bottling, with scents of tea and roses, but it's also darker and richer, with black cherry fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and a long, layered finish.