Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous red of the southern Rhône and some say all of France, adored for its big, rich, spice and warm character. Quality in 2016 was exceptional. “Another fantastic year” wrote Richard Hemming MW on jancisrobinson.com, “truly great” wrote Decanter. Robert Parker's - The Wine Advocate rate the 2016 vintage 98/100! 

And if this wasn’t enough, Jeb Dunnuck, perhaps the most influential critic and taster of Châteauneuf du Pape says “The 2016 vintage was truly extraordinary for the Southern Rhône and is a vintage that readers should buy with abandon. This is the greatest young vintage from the Southern Rhône Valley I’ve ever tasted, both in terms of quality as well as consistency”.

We are happy to announce that our members have exclusive access to the total allocation of this wine in New Zealand. The 2016 is a classic blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre & 25% Syrah and is choke full with all  black raspberries, cassis, ground pepper, and herbs. This wine will keep in the cellar for many years, but the great thing about it is that is delicious now.

Ripe, dark and stormy, this resplendent wine has an enticing red fruit and dried herbal bouquet. The palate is a dazzling welded fusion of cherry, leather and black fruits on a spicy base plate, the tannins suave and integrated, oak employed for texture. Bravo! Decanter 97/100

The winemaking tradition of the Brunel family dates back to the 17th century. Gaston Brunel, a famous négociant, acquired the Château de la Gardine in Châteauneuf du Pape in 1945. The estate is now run by his two sons, Patrick and Maxime with the help of their wives Eve and Maryse and their children Marie-Odile and Philippe. The estate spreads over 52 ha of vineyards (48 ha of red and 4 ha of white) and 20 ha of forests, all gathered around the property. The domaine is famous for the quality of their wines and for the unique Gardine bottle.