Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Lirac, Rhone, France 2020

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Lirac 2020 vintage is produced with 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah. The fruit selected is from 40 year old vines. They harvested manually and completely destemmed. The fermentation is followed by thermoregulation, lasting about 20 to 30 days. The wines are then aged in concrete and demi-muids vats over a period of 12 months. Loads of black raspberry and spice, medium to full body and a lush, ripe, yet seamless mouthfeel.

A blend of 50% Grenache and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Lirac is a fruit bomb done beautifully, offering tons of red and dark fruits, notes of peppery garrigue, medium body, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Fabulous stuff, I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming 5-7 years. - Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points