2015 Lucien et André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, aged mostly in concrete tanks) is another ethereal, complex, nuanced wine from this estate. Ripe strawberries, dried flowers, garrigue and dusty pebble/soil notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky, impeccably balanced 2015 that's ideal for drinking anytime over the coming 12-15 years. Like a lot of these 2015s, it's more about finesse and elegance than power and richness, yet has solid underlying structure. In addition, this cuvée has a terrific track record for aging gracefully, and it’s going to see its 20th birthday in fine form. André Brunel continues to keep this estate in the top echelon of estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. While I wasn’t able to taste any of his 2016s, his 2015s show the elegant side to the vintage, which is also one of the hallmark characteristics of the wines of the estate. The Cuvee Centenaire hasn’t been produced since 2010 (I don’t believe a 2012 was produced) and while the 2015 isn’t one of the truly great vintages for the cuvee, it’s certainly in the top handful of wines in the vintage.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
André Brunel's Les Cailloux has been a staple over the years, so it was great to see the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape shine in my big blind tasting. The blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault hasn't changed much, nor has the élevage, almost entirely in cuves béton (concrete vats). This full-bodied wine displays scents of cracked pepper and clove, bright raspberry and cherry fruit, and firm, classically built tannins that turn silky on the long finish. It should drink well for up to 20 years.
(raised in a combination of concrete tanks for the Grenache, which is made with 30 percent whole clusters, and small new and used barriques for the Mourvèdre and Syrah, which are totally destemmed) Brilliant ruby. Spice- and smoke-accented aromas of cherry, dark berries and lavender pastille are complicated by a pungent suggestion of white pepper. Seamless and smooth on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. A hint of candied licorice builds slowly on the gently tannic, clinging finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind.