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

Bettane & Desseauve

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

About the wine:

Due to berry drop in the Grenache crop, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape contains less of this variety than usual, with higher proportions of Mourvèdre and Syrah. The nose is marked by notes of black fruit and spices, while the palate is full-bodied and tight, yet retains the estate’s characteristic silky texture and great length.

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

About the wine:

Against a backdrop of macerated red berries, cherries, and spices, complexity is added by notes of dried herbs and Mediterranean scrub. The overall aroma is well-balanced, and the wine’s maturity comes through without any heaviness in style. The palate is equally impressive, with well-integrated power and a savory structure. This Châteauneuf-du-Pape leans more toward finesse than opulence, reflecting a Burgundian spirit.

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.