Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You 2019

96-98/100 - From the oldest vines of the estate, and not made every vintage (it was bottled previously in 2007, 2009 and 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You was still in demi-muids at the time of my visit (it spends two full years in oak). Despite the wood influence, floral elements shine through the cedary notes, adding welcome nuance to the flavors of black cherries, plums and milk chocolate. It's full-bodied and supple, with crisper acids than I would've expected, finishing clean and bright. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

96/100 - This single varietal Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape Not for You! cuvée happened more by accident than by plan. It was made for the first time in 2007, from the Les Serres plot. Thierry Usseglio and consulting winemaker Baptiste Olivier ended up with one particular barrique that contained over 17% alcohol after the fermentation finished. According to Usseglio, Josh Raynolds tasted it and then wrote down in his notes that this wine, because of its sheer concentration and intensity, is “Not for You!”. Usseglio loved this statement and spontaneously decided to name this particular cuvée following Josh’s comment. He then made the wine in two more vintages: in 2010 and in 2016. Hence, the 2019 Not for You! Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the fourth rendition of this eccentric cuvée. Full-bodied and deep, it almost overloads the taster with its mindboggling intensity of cooked red and black fruits, dried herbs, cured meat and spice box before it eventually concludes with a bold finish that goes on for well over a minute. Only 1,500 bottles produced. - Nicolas Greinacher, Wine Advocate