Created in 1989 to celebrate 100 years of vine planting, Cuvée Centenaire is only produced in exceptional vintages. The fruit comes from the Farguerol lieu-dit in the northern part of the appellation, from vines over 125 years old rooted in mineral-rich blue clay. The 2019 is 84% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and 6% Syrah — not destemmed, fermented in concrete, and aged mostly in concrete tanks with just 6% in very old barrels.

Deep ruby/purple in the glass with extraordinary notes of black cherries, licorice, iron, nori, and peppery garrigue. Hints of smoke, campfire, leather, and forest floor add layers of complexity. Full-bodied and concentrated yet flawlessly balanced — ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and the rare combination of power with no sensation of weight or heaviness. The long, silky finish is mouthwatering. A perfect example of old-vine Southern Rhône at its peak.

Jeb Dunnuck calls it "a candidate for perfection in 4-5 years" with 25+ years of aging potential. The Brunel family has been making wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape for five generations, and under André's leadership (now passed to his son Fabrice), the estate has become one of the appellation's most revered producers and a leader in eco-friendly farming.