Name: 2020 André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux Rouge
Brand: 3353
SKU: ABCA207
Price: 69.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Clean and elegant, the nose features red fruits typical of Grenache with pepper and spice from Mourvèdre and Syrah. The spices are more pronounced on the palate, enhanced by a touch of oak. The palate is fruit driven than classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, showing its savory side through a long finish. It is approachable now and will continue to evolve for five to eight years.

James Suckling (94 points):
"This traditional style Chateauneuf has a complex nose of leather, dry earth, candied orange peel and licorice. More red-berry fruit on the expansive yet delicate palate, where there’s a wonderful interplay of super-fine tannins and restrained richness through the very long, silky finish. Drink or hold."

Wine Enthusiast (93 Points):
"This energetic wine aged in concrete vat quickly evolves on the palate with vibrant acidity. The palate offers ripe orchard fruits, quince and white flowers. Structured yet elegant, it conveys the ripeness of fruit and warmth from the Cailloux stones. Cellar through 2028 and beyond for additional complexity."

There are only a few wine regions that elicit pure excitement amongst the wine aficionados of the world, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône is one of them. One of Châteauneuf’s most revered estates is that of centuries-old André Brunel, who has been in the region since the 18th century and has been making wine for eight generations.

Though originally named Domaine Les Cailloux by Lucien Brunel in 1954, its current name is after the seventh-generation owner, André Brunel. Under André’s leadership, the estate expanded rapidly, with vines in the Côtes du Rhône AOC as well as Vins de Pays. In 1971, after André took over, he launched Grenache-dominant Cuvée Centennaire, the estate’s top wine, which solidified André Brunel as a major player in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In addition, the family is leading the charge in the region for eco-friendly farming practices, eschewing chemicals at every turn.

André’s son, Fabrice, is now at the helm of this pioneering estate, overseeing their three appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and Vaucluse Vins de Pays, which represent three different tiers of wine. Grenache is the star variety in these wines, with a smattering of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault.

Acidity: 2.93 G/L
Sugar: 0.11G/L
PH: 3.65
Alcohol content: 14.5%

Vintage: 2020

Style: Red Blend

Varietal: 60% Grenache, 27% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 3% Cinsault

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Winemaker: André Brunel