Domaine Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2017 (Mag)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

André Brunel's wines always combine generosity, refined tannins, and freshness. The white wine is very refined and contains a significant proportion of Clairette. In the red wine, Grenache dominates with a proportion 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

About wine:

Due to the coulure of Grenache, the 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape contains less of this variety than normal, with higher proportions of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Notes of black fruit and spices mark the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and tight, but retains the estate's characteristic silky texture and great length.

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

About wine:

On macerated red fruits, cherries, and spices, complexity is provided by notes of dried herbs and maquis. The aromatic ensemble is balanced, with the level of maturity revealing itself without any heaviness of style. The palate is consistent, with diffuse power and a sapid structure. This Châteauneuf evolves more in finesse than in opulence, reflecting a Burgundian spirit.

About the estate:

Although little known in France, André Brunel is nevertheless one of the elite producers in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. He produces distinguished wines, whose main strengths are their minerality and refinement. The entire range is of a consistently high standard. The classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a quiet force, full of finesse and nuance. In great 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 first produced in 1989. It quickly achieved worldwide success, which was richly deserved. André Brunel still has a few rare and magnificent old bottles, from 1947 and 1967 or, more recently, from 1978, which demonstrate undeniable expertise, reflected in the quality of today's wines.