Domaine André Brunel - Côtes-du-Rhône Sommelongue 2021

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.

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.