Single vineyard cuvée. The grapes come from the “Brusquières” plot, a plateau located north of the Appellation
This terroir is the archetype of the great Châteauneuf terroirs: pebbles rolled on the surface, clays, sands and limestone in depth.
Grapes:
60% Grenache,
39% Syrah
1% Counoise
Viticulture: Rigorous bud pruning. Furthermore, green harvesting and leaf thinning are done.
The picking is entirely by hand, with sorting in the vineyard and again in the cellar.
Winemaking:
manual harvest and sorting at the estate by vibrating table, destemming at 75% and crushing of the grapes.
Vinification of Grenache, Counoise and possibly Syrah together if the year and maturity allow it.
The maceration lasts about 4 weeks, with gentle extractions.
Fermentation takes place in wooden vats or in stainless steel vats.
Aging: It is made in wooden vats, in demi-muids, in barrels.
TASTING NOTES:
On this terroir protected by the presence of the famous rolled pebbles, this cuvée is made up of Grenache and Syrah. This last grape variety, associated with our traditional know-how, makes this cuvée atypical by the aromatic intensity of black fruits, spices and chocolate notes. The mouth is distinguished by the concentrated aromas of black fruits, spices, leather and wild.
SERVICE TIP: Around 16-18 ° C. If possible, remember to decant or aerate the wine before tasting.
Incredible depth and power here. This is saturated with ripe, black fruit and sealed up with some spicy, attractive oak. The brambly palate is powerful, concentrated and fresh. Top Châteauneuf here. Drink or hold.
94 Points – James Suckling – August 2018
Blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hautes Brusquières, the most concentrated, rich, and opulent in the lineup. It has brilliant purity of fruit, ripe, polished tannins, and a great, great finish, all making for a brilliant 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape that will keep for 15+ years.
(95-97 Points) – Jeb Dunnuck – August 2018
A prodigious effort, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale was yet to be bottled during my June visit. It offers up sweet floral aromas, hints of thyme and rosemary and bold cherry fruit. Full-bodied and creamy-velvety in texture, it's a hugely seductive mouthful of wine that I found difficult to spit. If it emerges from the bottling process looking like this, buyers will have huge smiles on their faces.
(96-98 Points) - - Joe Czerwinski – The Wine Advocate – August 2018
This sports the dark and intense fruit of the vintage's overall profile, with a range of black currant, fig and boysenberry pâte de fruit notes that meld with flavors of licorice snap, fruitcake, singed mesquite and smoldering black tea. The long finish is well-structured and focused, infused with a perfume that lingers beautifully. Best from 2022 through 2038. 850 cases made, 100 cases imported.
96 Points – Wine Spectator – November 2019
A 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hautes Brusquières reveals a medium ruby color as well as ample notes of strawberries, dried garrigue, and dried flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, elegant and silky on the palate, with nicely integrated acidity. It's elegant and charming, yet not one of the top vintages for this cuvée.
91 Points – Jeb Dunnuck – October 2017