Originally from Italy, the Usseglio family immigrated to France in 1931 and settled in the Rhone. Currently the third generation, Pierre, Jean Pierre, and Thierry are running the Usseglio estate. Domaine Pierre Usseglio owns 59 acres of vineyards spread out over 17 different, small parcels in Chateauneuf du Pape. The terroir is a combination of sand, clay, limestone and rocky soils. The vineyards are give or take, planted to 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault. For this wine a special selection of 100% Grenache is made from old vines between 70 and 90 years of age.
Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "Packed with pure, ripe fruit--raspberry, boysenberry and fig--along with cocoa, tar and violet notes. Long, rich, dark finish shows lots of exotic spice, date and dried fruit notes. Tight on the finish, so cellar for a while. Best from 2007 through 2024."
The Wine Advocate scored this 94 points saying "The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul, which spends 90% of its time in tank and 10% in old barrels, has turned out even better in bottle than it performed from cask. Basically 100% Grenache in 2004, this is clearly better than the 1999, which I own and drink frequently. It exhibits a deep ruby purple color and a wonderful sweet nose of black cherry, raspberry, licorice, spice box, and roasted herbs. Voluminous for a 2004, with full body, beautiful texture, a long, heady finish, and loads of fruit, glycerin, and decent acidity, this wine should drink beautifully for 12-15+ years. There was no 2004 Reserve des Deux Freres as all of that wine was put into the Mon Aieul."