Pierre Usseglio's rich, expansive 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape is a charming surprise from this vintage. The dark ruby/garnet color is followed by jammy cherry aromas intermixed with smoked Provencal herbs, licorice, and fruitcake. The wine possesses excellent richness, a cherry/kirsch, peppery, richly fruity character, sweet glycerin, medium to full body, and no hard edges in the lusty, high alcohol finish. Drink it over the next 6-7 years.
Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173