Domaine Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire 2019 (Magnum)

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:

Made 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 wine that manages to be balanced, with an almost lightness to it. Notes of garrigue accentuate the black cherries and blackberries in this full-bodied Centenaire, which should age well for over a decade.

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

About wine:

Intense nose of blackberry with a warm hint and notes of thyme. A wine that emphasizes purity over volume and fullness on the palate.

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.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

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