Domaine Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire 2019 (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:

Derived from Grenache vines planted in 1889 and small proportions of younger Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2019 Cuvée Centenaire is a seriously full-bodied, concentrated and richly textured achievement that manages to balance, with almost even lightness. Hints of garrigue accentuate the black cherry and blackberry fruit in this full-bodied Centenaire of great scope, which should evolve well for more than a decade.

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

About the wine:

Intense blackberry nose with warmth and hints of thyme. A wine in a style that values purity over volume and fullness on the palate.

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.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

A wine that will reach perfection in 4-5 years, the Centenaire 2019 reveals a deep ruby/purple color and extraordinary notes of black cherry, licorice, iron, nori and peppery garrigue. As a basis for this 2019, the estate has done an incredible job, particularly on the tannins. This wine is perfectly balanced, with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges and pure class to evolve over 25 years and more. It's a perfect example of power with a sense of density or robustness. The 2019 blend is 84% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 6% Syrah, it has not been destemmed and has been aged in concrete tanks, with only 6% aged in very old barrels.