Domaine Raymond Usseglio La Creation Grenache 2018
- Textured, savoury
- Rhône Valley
“Equal parts of old-vine Grenache from sandy soils (in Lirac) and stony soils (in Chateauneuf du Pape) were co-fermented to make the 2018 Vin de France le Creation. It’s a full-bodied, concentrated effort, with bold black cherry fruit, an expansive mouthfeel, silky tannins and a lengthy, faintly herb and licorice-tinged finish. Despite its size, it never seems overdone, retaining a sense of freshness and balance.” - Wine Advocate
Profile
Who are we to disagree? Powerful and intriguing, it pays homage to unique terroirs, by expertly blending only the choicest grapes from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Lirac.
This is a master producer looking beyond the confines of tradition and labeling, to make the best possible wine he can. Think you know wines of the Southern Rhône? Think again.
Reviews
The Wine Advocate
“Equal parts of old-vine Grenache from sandy soils (in Lirac) and stony soils (in Chateauneuf du Pape) were co-fermented to make the 2018 Vin de France le Creation. It's a full-bodied, concentrated effort, with bold black cherry fruit, an expansive mouthfeel, silky tannins and a lengthy, faintly herb and licorice-tinged finish. Despite its size, it never seems overdone, retaining a sense of freshness and balance.”
It’s cool, we get it, you want to know absolutely everything about this wine. Well here you go, go nuts.
Specs
- Region
- Rhône Valley
- Vintage
- 2018
- Cellaring
- 2027
- Preservatives
- Sulphides
- Alcohol by Vol.
- 14.5%
- Closure
- Cork
- Bottle Vol
- 750mL
- Blend Info
- ―
- Serving Temp.
- 14.0°C
Region
Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley is a dichotomous beast. The North is ruled by Syrah (=Shiraz), with or without a touch of Viognier for perfume, while in the South you'll find all matter of blends such as those of Chateauneuf du Pape (about thirteen varieties in these on average, at last count...) and the origins of the GSM (heard of Côtes du Rhône?). The Northern Rhône is Australia's ultimate sparring partner in the 'we say Shiraz, you say Syrah' fencing match. With such famous names as Côtes-Rôtie, Gigondas and Crozes-Hermitage (remember when Grange was called Hermitage...?), you can bet your bottom dollar - and the few hundred that go with it - that you'll need to be ticking off a few of the better ones before you kick it. Don't discount the whites though. Some of the finest whites you'll ever try come from Condrieu (the most sensual Viognier you'll try, at a price), and the lesser (in cost, at least) blends, often based on Grenache Blanc or Viognier. And watch out for dry, Rhône rose - it's become so popular that the industry bodies are warning the region not to over-produce. Look out Kiwi Sav Blanc!