A high-class offering, the complex 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire boasts a medium ruby color as well as a big, sweet kiss of kirsch liqueur intermixed with notions of cedar, spice box, licorice, and lavender. In the mouth, the wine is spicy, but the roundness, heady levels of glycerin, high alcohol, and what the French call sucrosite are well-displayed. The Cuvee Centenaire, is a combination of 80% tank-aged Grenache, and 15% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah aged in small barrels. This is a hedonistic, complex beauty that will drink well for 12-14 years. The brilliant Andre Brunel, and before him, his father, have done conscientious work in Chateauneuf du Pape for many years. Shrewd consumers have long flocked to Andre Brunel’s Cotes du Rhones as they are loaded with personality and quality. Moreover, they sell for a fraction of the price of his Chateauneuf du Papes.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083