Domaine André Brunel : Les Cailloux 2022

Earthy notes of tobacco and warm soil underscore red fruit in this glossy, supple red. A good example of a lighter-extraction style that shows real elegance rather than power. There are details of spices, savory herbs and lavender in the mix, with hints of tar and cool stone minerality on the finish. Drink now through 2038. 5,000 cases made, 630 cases imported.

A seductive, textural and well-crafted blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre. It exhibits aromas of currants, dried herbs, roasted meat, mushrooms and orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. So velvety and refined on the palate. Poised and complete with a bright, succulent and long finish. Drink or hold.

Starting off a little reductive, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux gradually unlocks rosewater, wild strawberry and licorice aromas. White pepper adds another layer. Full-bodied, round and refreshing, the 2022 engages the palate with a juicy core of ripe red fruits. It closes with good length on the elegant finish.

This wine shows surprising lightness; it’s red-fruited and has savoury notes of seared tomato skin, plum skin and cherry, with licks of char, spice and smoke. The palate has a good silky flow, with lots of sweet ripe fruit on the tongue, and a rusty, meaty finish. Yummy.