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

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 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:

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 dark 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.

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

About the wine:

A lovely expression of nutty and spicy notes; the nose is fruity with a beautiful floral quality. 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.

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 greatest strengths lie in their minerality and refinement. The entire range is of consistently high quality. 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, which demonstrate undeniable expertise, reflected in the quality of today’s wines.

Vinous

About the wine:

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, strawberry, raspberry, orange peel, licorice, and white pepper are all beautifully defined. The 2022 is an ambitious and refined Grenache, round and elegant, gliding into a complex and lingering finish. Although it is a wine with great aging potential, it should be approachable from the start of its life.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A seductive, 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 mingling with herbs and spices. Lively and upright, with tension and an infused yet dense texture on the palate. Lingering and spectacular. Enjoy now or cellars.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

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 gracefully for 25 years.