A ripe, voluptuous effort that shows the vintage nicely, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape was the only Chateauneuf produced by Brunel in the vintage, so it received the grapes that would normally go into the cuvee Centenaire. Mostly tank-aged Grenache (there's 17% Mourvedre and 13% Syrah and other permitted varieties), it offers sexy and upfront notes of kirsch, truffle, crushed rocks and raspberries to go with sweet tannin, medium-bodied richness and a forward, ready-to-go profile. Not quite as impressive as I remember right on release, it's still an outstanding wine that will deliver ample pleasure over the coming 5-6+ years.
Published : 2015-09-01