91 Points

2012 André Brunel Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2015

“Brilliant ruby-red. Sexy, perfumed aromas of ripe red berries and floral oils, with hints of orange pith, white pepper and smoky minerals adding lift. Silky and open-knit, offering gently sweet raspberry and candied lavender flavors and a deeper suggestion of cherry pit. Finishes spicy and long, with lingering red fruit and floral notes and smooth, well-integrated tannins.”

96 Points

2010 André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée Centenaire

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, October 2016

“This beauty is just hitting its stride now, with a still-robust structure that is starting to show more velvety nuance while melding with the core of dark currant preserve, warmed fig and steeped plum flavors. Lots of cocoa and tobacco notes form the backdrop, and there’s a long, smoldering feel to the finish. Another classic from a classic vintage. Best from 2017 through 2035. From France.—J.M.”

93 Points

2015 André Brunel Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, September 2016

“This displays rich papaya and Cavaillon melon notes, but stays fresh thanks to honeysuckle and citrus oil threads. Offers a long finish. Very inviting. Drink now through 2019.—J.M.”

93 Points

2014 André Brunel Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, November 2015

“A ripe, fruit-driven style, with lush creamed apple, melon and pear flavors pumping along, inlaid with ample heather and salted butter notes. The long, juicy finish pulls everything together, with enough energy to sustain brief cellaring. Drink now through 2017. 100 cases imported.”

92 Points

2015 André Brunel Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, October 2017

“Distinctive, opening with warm yellow apple and ginger flavors, followed by rich grapefruit oil, mirabelle plum and nectarine notes. Broad through the finish, showing a light waxy edge, but with an underlying freshness. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported”

90 Points

2014 André Brunel Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, March 2016

“A pretty, elegant white from this family estate, the 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has lots of lemon curd, honeysuckle and white flower notes to go with a clean, elegant and seamless style on the palate. Perfectly balanced, it's not a powerhouse, yet excels for its purity and light, supple texture. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years.”

87 Points

2013 André Brunel Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Grenache

Josh Raynolds, Vinous, June 2016

“Ruby-red. Lively black raspberry and cherry aromas show a slight jamminess and a hint of white pepper. Juicy and supple on the palate, offering gently sweet red and dark berry flavors that open up slowly with air. Smooth and seemingly tannin-free, delivering good finishing punch and a late jolt of bitter cherry pit.”

87 Points

2014 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône, Rouge

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, June 2016

“Direct cherry fruit is laced with subtle cinnamon and black tea notes that provide a firm twinge through the finish. Drink now. 3,124 cases imported.”

90 Points

2014 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône, La Bécassonne, Blanc

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, March 2016

“The best vintage of this cuvee to date, Brunel's single vineyard 2014 Cotes du Rhone la Becassonne is a beautiful blend of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette. Its medium-gold color is followed by outstanding notes of ripe peach, melon, pineapple and a touch of honey. Medium-bodied, rich, textured and still lively and fresh, it sells for about 15 bucks but tastes like it cost two to three times that. Buy it by the case and drink it over the coming couple of years (although, I would not be surprised to see it evolve nicely for longer).”

89 Points

2015 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône, La Bécassonne, Blanc

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, December 2016

“Fresh, with a juicy edge to the mix of plantain, green almond and yellow apple flavors. Light chamomile and verbena notes help stretch out the finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases imported.”

88 Points

2015 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône, La Bécassonne, Blanc

Wine Enthusiast, March 2017

“This is an easydrinking, harmonious blend of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette. Pineapplle, anise and marshmallow aromas lead into wellrounded flavors of pineapple and melon. Drink now. Folio Fine Wine Partners. —J.C.”

88 Points

2014 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône, La Bécassonne, Blanc

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, October 2015

“A fresh style, with a blanched almond frame around the apple, fennel and white peach flavors. Sleek finish. Drink now. 800 cases imported.”

88 Points

2013 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cuvée Sabrine, Rouge

Josh Raynolds, Vinous, June 2015

“Deep ruby. Ripe cherry and red berry aromas, along with suggestions of licorice and dried flowers. Bitter cherry, plum and dark chocolate on the palate; a hint of cracked pepper adds spiciness. Chewy tannins build steadily on the finish, which shows good persistence and repeating spiciness.”

88 Points

2012 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cuvée Sabrine, Rouge

Josh Raynolds, Vinous, June 2015

“Full ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit and a hint of smoked meat on the pungent nose. Bitter cherry and cassis flavors show a slight leatheriness and a hint of candied lavender. Closes with building sweetness and an echo of game; silky tannins lend shape. My score would be higher if it weren't for that sauvagecharacter, and I'm sure that fans of old-school Rhône wines will find my assessment stingy.”

87 Points

2013 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cuvée Sabrine, Rouge

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, June 2016

“Shows a mix of bramble, pepper and tobacco notes, with lightly mulled cherry and blackberry fruit. The finish picks up light cedar and savory hints, lending this a slightly rustic feel in the end. Drink now. 1,036 cases imported.”

91 Points

2012 André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Tara Thomas, Wine & Spirits, February 2017

“Year's Best: Although Brunel uses younger-vine fruit for this bottling (his older vines provide the fruit for Les Cailloux), it has plenty of complexity, from the spicy, herbal fruit to the notes of shiitakes and seaweed that give it a saline, umami depth. It’s mature and savory. Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA”

91 Points

2012 André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Wine Enthusiast, August 2015

“An excellent value, this comes from vines that average 40 years of age. It’s unusually complex for the price, offering hints of cracked pepper, clove, leather, plum and mint, all delivered with ample weight and a rich, supple texture. Drink now–2020.”

90 Points

2013 André Brunel Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Wine Enthusiast, March 2017

“Brunel’s 2013 is traditionally styled. The aromas are peppery and ferrous, leaning toward sour plum, while the palate is medium-bodied, taut and silky, ending on notes of black olive and espresso. Drink it over the next 5–8 years.”

94 points

Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve

Anthony Dias Blue, Tasting Panel, April 2016

“Charles Champagne Charlie Heidsieck popularized Champagne in the U.S. in the mid-19 century. Pale pink; smooth and lush, juicy and elegant with raspberry and cherry; long and refined”

91 points

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, November 2018

“Rich hints of toasted brioche and coffee liqueur are layered with black cherry and mandarin orange peel flavors in this creamy Champagne. Fine and satiny on the palate, with lemony acidity refreshing the lingering finish. Disgorged 2018. Drink now through 2021. 4,500 cases imported.”