Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2045
Jeb Dunnuck 97-98
A wine you don’t see often (there’s only one barrel made), the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is 100% Grenache from the 100+-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit that’s brought up in a new demi-muid. It’s a monster of a wine offering a Southern Rhône street market-like array of red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, lavender, cured meats, and spicy oak. Incredibly unique, full-bodied, heady, and concentrated, it’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a singular Châteauneuf du Pape I suspect best enjoyed at the end of a meal.
