2016 Domaine Les Cailloux (Lucien et Andre Brunel) Chateauneuf Du Pape

André Brunel's family first settled in Châteauneuf du Pape in the 18th century, today they own 22 hectares in Châteauneuf du Pape and 11 hectares in the Côtes du Rhône. Wines are produced from estate grown grapes as well as grapes from neighbouring growers where André manages the vineyards. André Brunel has always been one of the benchmark vignerons of Châteauneuf du Pape and for decades now has produced an incredibly Provençal, elegant, and age-worthy style of wine. Almost all of the vinifications and aging are done in concrete. Although the Syrah does get aged in old oak, it accounts for only 10% of the blend in a typical year. His 2016s are very much in that style and show terrific aromatics as well as balanced, seamless profiles on the palate.

Other Reviews....
I've tasted many vintages of the Brunels' wines, and 2016 looks as if it will be their best ever. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape stood out in my blind tasting, offering incredible complexity and lightness despite being full-bodied. Roses, garrigue and dried spices accent raspberries and cherries in a wine that's concentrated and intense yet agile, with nuances galore. It's 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault and will have aged 18 months (mainly in concrete) prior to bottling. Let's hope this looks just as good then.
95-97 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Sept 2018)

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic wine from this heralded estate. Kirsch, crushed flowers, spice, and hints of peppery garrigue all flow to a full-bodied, balanced, seamless 2016 that has polished tannin, a seamless texture, and no hard edges. It's going to evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. The 2016 is a normal blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault that was partially destemmed and brought up mostly in concrete. Don’t miss this beauty.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck