André Brunel Les Cailloux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire 2022

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.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire, made exclusively from Grenache Noir grown on rounded pebble soils in the Farguerol Sud vineyard, reveals a dense and complex bouquet of black wild berries, spices, coniferous forest, pencil shavings, and blackcurrant. Medium- to full-bodied, it is denser and deeper than its counterpart, and it is layered and balanced with structured tannins and a long, elegant, and complex finish. Aged for 18 months in 94% concrete tanks and 6% used barrels, this lovely Châteauneuf-du-Pape will age beautifully over the next 20 years.

A beautiful expression of stone fruit and spice nuances; the nose is fruity with lovely floral notes. The palate is full-bodied with a delicate texture, and the wine flows smoothly. We are surprised by the fluidity of its profile. The wine is more graceful than full-bodied.

Although little known in France, André Brunel is nonetheless among the elite of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. He produces distinguished wines whose greatest 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 possesses a few rare and magnificent old bottles—from 1947 and 1967, or, more recently, from 1978—that demonstrate undeniable expertise, which is reflected in the quality of today’s wines.

Aged for 18 months in concrete tanks (94%) and oak barrels (6%), the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire, with its pale ruby color, is exceptionally pure. Aromas of rose petals, strawberries, raspberries, orange peel, licorice, and white pepper are all beautifully defined. The 2022 is an ambitious and refined Grenache—round and elegant—that glides into a complex and lingering finish. Although it is a wine with great aging potential, it should be approachable right from the start of its life.

An alluring, velvety, and caressing wine, made from Grenache vines planted in 1889. The nose reveals notes of cherries, sweet berries, dried herbs, and mild spices. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied with fine tannins. The wine is brilliant, with notes of orange peel and succulent berries that mingle with herbs and spices. Lively and upright, with tension and an infused yet dense texture on the palate. Lingering and spectacular. Enjoy now or celller.

Kirsch liqueur, peppery garrigue, wildflowers, and the mineral character of graphite shine through in the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire, a small-batch wine made from very old Grenache vines in the northwestern part of the appellation. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, concentrated yet balanced and incredibly elegant on the palate, it exhibits the classic charm of Grenache and will age well for 25 years.