Domaine Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2016 (Magnum)
18/20
RVF
95-97/100
Robert Parker
94/100
Wine Enthusiast
“I’ve tasted many vintages of Brunel’s wines, and 2016 seems to be the best ever. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape stood out during my blind tasting, offering incredible complexity and lightness despite its roundness. Hints of roses, garrigue, and dried spices accentuate the notes of raspberries and cherries in a concentrated, intense yet lively wine with multiple nuances.” (Wine Advocate - Joe Czerwinski)
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Eye
Deep garnet color
Nose
Aromas of red berries, with woody notes
Palate
Complex and elegant. Beautiful structure and energy, full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, and notes of forest floor and leather. Long finish, with excellent aging potential.
Serve
At 16°C
Open
1 hour beforehand, in a carafe
Drink before
2035
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy it with game, red meat, and more…
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2020 guide): 3*Stars (High-quality production that serves as a benchmark in its sector)
About the estate:
André Brunel’s wines consistently combine richness, refined tannins, and freshness. The white wine, which is very refined, contains a fairly significant proportion of Clairette. In the reds, Grenache dominates, with a touch of Mourvèdre. Finally, the “La Centenaire” cuvée is made from very old Grenache vines planted on the Mont-Redon plateau. The 2014 vintage is a classic expression of the style of wines from the Mont-Redon plateau, with its large, rounded pebbles. The 2015 “La Centenaire” cuvée is very successful, as is the 2016 white.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2018 guide) 95-97/100 (Extraordinary wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
I’ve tasted many vintages of Brunel’s wines, and 2016 seems to be the best ever. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape stood out during my blind tasting, offering incredible complexity and lightness despite its roundness. Hints of roses, garrigue, and dried spices accentuate the notes of raspberries and cherries in a concentrated, intense yet lively wine with multiple nuances. Blended from 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault, it will have aged for 18 months (primarily in concrete) before bottling. Let’s hope it tastes just as good then.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2019 guide) 18/20 (Great wine)
Rated Estate (2022 Guide) 2*Stars (These exceptional estates, often boasting fabulous terroirs, are must-haves that—thanks to the consistency and excellence of their wines—deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers)
About the wine:
We love the style and elegant precision of this wine. The fruit is fully ripe but balanced by the wine’s freshness. The wine is concentrated and lingers on the palate. A firm, restrained 2016 that’s worth cellaring.
About the estate:
Although little known in France, André Brunel is nonetheless among the elite of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. He produces distinguished wines whose main strengths are their minerality and refinement. The entire range is consistently excellent. The classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a quiet force, full of finesse and nuance. In great vintages, the estate produces a small quantity of a magnificent cuvée from vines planted in 1889 on the Farguerol plateau, named Cuvée Centenaire, which was first released in 1989. It quickly achieved worldwide success, which was well deserved. André Brunel still owns a few rare and magnificent old bottles—from 1947 and 1967, or, more recently, from 1978—which demonstrate undeniable expertise, a quality that is reflected in today’s wines.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2019 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
Notes of blackcurrant liqueur and raspberry jam mingle with dried sage, earth, and bramble in this fruity yet substantial and complex wine. The palate is round and smooth, with a lingering finish, a silky texture, and persistent tannins. Soft enough to enjoy now, it will continue to improve through 2028 and age well beyond that.
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