Lucien et Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux Cuvee Centenaire, Rhone 2000

Lucien et André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux Cuvée Centenaire 2000, Rhône

Producer: Lucien et André Brunel
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Varietals: Primarily Grenache, with Mourvèdre and Syrah
Drinking Window: 2005–2035
Aging Potential: 35+ years

Lucien et André Brunel's Les Cailloux Cuvée Centenaire 2000 is an extraordinary example of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, created to celebrate the estate’s centennial in 1989 and produced only in exceptional vintages. Sourced from ancient Grenache vines planted over 100 years ago, this wine showcases the complexity, depth, and elegance that Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for, making it one of the most sought-after wines from the Rhône Valley.

Tasting Notes:

The 2000 vintage of Cuvée Centenaire offers an incredibly rich and layered aromatic profile. Intense aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and ripe plums are intertwined with complex notes of dried herbs, garrigue, smoked meats, and sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Secondary nuances of leather, truffle, and earthy minerality emerge with age, adding further depth.

On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and velvety, with robust tannins that have softened beautifully over the years. It reveals a palate of blackcurrant, fig, and kirsch, balanced by savory notes of olive tapenade, roasted herbs, and pepper. The finish is remarkably long and elegant, with lingering hints of licorice, tobacco, and a touch of floral violet.

Producer Details:

Lucien et André Brunel is a historic estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, recognized for producing wines that express the unique terroir of the region’s stony soils, known as galets roulés. The estate has been in the Brunel family for generations, with their Cuvée Centenaire standing as their most prestigious bottling, crafted only in the finest years. The old Grenache vines, some over a century old, give the wine its remarkable concentration and longevity.

Wine Details:

• Vinification: Traditional fermentation with extended maceration to extract depth of flavor, followed by aging in a combination of large oak foudres and smaller barrels for 18 months.
• Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
• Cellar Potential: The 2000 Cuvée Centenaire is at its peak now, but it has the potential to evolve and offer exceptional drinking through 2035.

Drinking Window:

This vintage is now in its prime, offering perfectly balanced fruit and tertiary aromas from two decades of aging. It can be enjoyed now through 2035, with its complex character continuing to evolve gracefully.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape with roasted lamb, game meats like venison, or hearty stews. Its depth also complements dishes featuring truffles or mushrooms, as well as aged cheeses like Manchego or Comté.

Elevate your collection with the rare Les Cailloux Cuvée Centenaire 2000—a Châteauneuf-du-Pape of exceptional pedigree, offering a profound expression of the region’s ancient vines and timeless winemaking tradition.