Pierre Usseglio, not to be confused with Raymond Usseglio (a different winery owned by his brother) was founded in 1948 by Francis Usseglio. Francis moved to the Rhone from Italy in 1931. Francis had two sons, Pierre and Raymond. Pierre took over this domaine and his brother Raymond created his own winery using his name which is how you have two different Usseglio wines in the Southern Rhone Valley today.
Mon Aieul was first bottled in 1998. Most of the fruit comes from old vine Grenache that was planted in 1926.
Ruby red in color. 14.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, roasted herbs and wet asphalt. Medium body with strong acidity. Somewhat lean and austere with a cloak of drying tannins. Strawberry, kirsch, garrigue and herbes de Provence on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. This is a big, masculine wine that is a perfect reflection of the acclaimed 2005 vintage. Delicious and decidedly rustic. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Current vintages of mon Aïeul are attractively priced around $80 per bottle.