Vertical Tasting of Châteauneuf: Old but Sprightly!
Terre de Vins – April 2025
This is the title given by the magazine Terre de Vins for the tasting of old vintages from the appellation, held during the "Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape" wine fair, where we presented our Les Cailloux Rouge 1985 cuvée!
Here is the article to discover:
"At the Printemps de Châteauneuf, the thematic workshops are just as popular as the main fair. One such workshop is dedicated to old vintages, offering the opportunity to taste very old cuvées and evaluate their aging potential — a way to support the reputation for longevity of the flagship appellation of the Côtes du Rhône.
Vintages ending in 5 were featured in this old vintages workshop. Eight estates brought out magnums and bottles from their reserves from the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 for a tasting battle that was as enjoyable as it was informative. Beautiful bottles generously shared for a rare occasion where curiosity meets pleasure. So, tired or still youthful? Paradoxically, the colors of the different vintages all fell within the same chocolate-brown palette, making it difficult to determine the year by hue. The noses leaned toward tertiary aromas, with more or less wild and jammy notes. It’s on the palate that the wines reveal their true potential. The tannins are smooth, the oak a distant memory, complexity takes precedence, and maturity is supported by either freshness or richness. It is crucial to let them breathe for many hours, even the day before tasting. These cuvées are ideal paired with fish such as red mullet or monkfish, sauced meats, and chocolate desserts.
1985
A rainy winter and spring, followed by a very hot and very dry summer, with little coulure.
Domaine André Brunel – Cuvée Les Cailloux
Vines aged between 60 and 70 years, 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, on rolled pebbles, sandstone and safres soils, from the lieux-dits Farguerol, Bois de la Ville, Cansaud, and Rebillon. Aged in concrete vats.
A harvest of mushrooms in an undergrowth sets the scene. The palate is vivid, tangy, full of freshness and finesse. Here is a charmer that wears its age well."
Published : 2025-04-23