Bright red. Strikingly fresh aromas of vibrant strawberry and cherry, gaining depth and ripeness with air. The darker fruits continue onto the palate, which is brightened by a spicy blood orange quality. Finishes with excellent snap and drive, especially for a "basic" bottling. This has gained richness since last year but not at the expense of vivacity.

The classic 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is a beautiful wine that offers lots of ripe blackberry, toasted spice, olive and garrigue to go with a full, fleshy, Provençal style on the palate. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre, it spent 12 months in 80% foudre and 20% barrel. Drink this classic traditional cuvee anytime over the coming 4-6 years.One of the top estates in the appellation, Domaine Pierre Usseglio is run by the brilliant team of brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio. They’ve been on qualitative wave over the past 10-15 years and continue to release some of the top wines in every vintage. Looking at these 2005s, these are all impressive and they managed the inherent structure of the vintage beautifully.