Domaine Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire 2016 (Magnum)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

André Brunel's wines always combine generosity, fine tannins and freshness. The white is very refined, with a high proportion of clairette. In the reds, Grenache dominates, with some Mourvèdre. Finally, the cuvée la-centenaire is made from very old Grenache vines planted on the Mont-Redon plateau. The 2014 is a classic expression of the style of wines from the plateau of large rounded pebbles of Mont-Redon. The 2015 cuvée centenaire is a great success, as is the 2016 white.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

When you come across a wine like this at a blind tasting, it's human nature to criticize first impressions. Yet every time I returned to the wine that turned out to be the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvée Centenaire des Brunels, I came away stunned by its complexity and balance. Yes, it's full-bodied, but it's also ethereal, like a supple vinous gymnast, nervous and strong but also graceful and full of nuance. Explosive aromas and flavors range from raspberry and cherry to rose, black tea, thyme and lavender in this incredible wine. I suspect it will rival the legendary 1990 and 1998.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Pale color for this cuvée made from very old vines planted on the Fargueirol terroir, north of the appellation, with 85% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre. The fine, floral nose is softly expressive. The Mourvèdre lends it uprightness. A Centenaire where delicacy takes precedence over thickness, with the intensity of radiant fruit. An aesthete's wine.

About the domain :

Little known in France, André Brunel is nevertheless one of the elite of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. His racy wines are characterized by minerality and refinement. The entire range is extremely consistent. The classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a quiet force, full of finesse and nuance. In the best years, the estate produces a small quantity of a magnificent cuvée from vines planted in 1889 on the Farguerol plateau, called Cuvée Centenaire, which was launched in 1989. It enjoyed rapid and well-deserved worldwide success. André Brunel still owns a few rare and magnificent old bottles, from 1947 and 1967 or, more recently, from 1978, which show an undeniable savoir-faire that is reflected in the quality of today's wines.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This is a sumptuously perfumed Grenache, garnished with ripe blackberry and plum, enhanced by heady vanilla and violet. It's a lush, voluptuously textured wine, built by sunny acidity and ripe, powerful tannins. Already hedonistic, it's likely to improve through 2030 and keep going even longer.