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CDP Cuvee Centenaire 2003

Brunel, Andre

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Tasting Notes

Rich, powerful and almost port-like, Brunel’s 2003 Cuvee Centenaire is locked and loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, roasted meats and licorice that flow to a full-bodied, concentrated Chateauneuf du Pape that possesses a core of sweet fruit, gorgeous texture and a heady finish that seems to go on and on. Fully mature, with completely integrated tannin, it is certainly not for the low alcohol crowd, yet offers up a thrillingly rich drinking experience. I don’t see any upside here and would enjoy bottles over the coming handful of years.

Score: 94

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 June 2013

The limited production but exquisite 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is a riper, more concentrated version of the 2000 Centenaire. There are about 500 cases of this Grenache-dominated wine produced from a vineyard planted in 1889 with some Syrah and Mourvedre (about 20%) added to the blend. The latter components are aged in small barrels. The wine has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color to the rim, a strikingly pure nose of kirsch liqueur, crème de cassis, and hints of vanilla and espresso. Hitting the palate with full-throttle opulence, superb concentration, fabulous purity, and striking multiple levels of raspberries and black cherry jam, this is a beautifully full-bodied, brilliantly concentrated and structured wine that reveals sweet but abundant tannin and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. I still think the two greatest Centenaires made to date have been the 1990 and 1998, but this one is close in quality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+.

Score: 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2020+ 01 February 2006