90 Pts David Schildknecht - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"A step up in terms of richness, depth, and polish, the 2010 Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Centenaire is gorgeous field blend of 80% Grenache Blanc (with some Grenache Gris) and 20% Roussanne, from 100-year-old vines (hence the name), that’s aged in 30% French oak and the balance in stainless steel. Extremely classy and pure, with outstanding aromatics of ripe melon, stone fruit, flowers, and beautiful minerality, this seamless white is medium-bodied, perfectly balanced, and has racy, yet integrated acidity that shines on the finish. Gaining a saline-like minerality that develops with air, this is simply a beautifully done white that does everything right. Brilliant now, I would expect it to continue to shine for 1-2 years." 91 points - Jeb Dunnuck - Rhone Report

"From cobbled virtually seaside sites and a field blend of old Grenache Gris and (majority) Blanc with dollops of Macabeu and Roussanne, raised in older barrique with a small portion fermented in demi-muid, Lafage's 2010 Cuvee Centenaire - going its predecessors one-better - represents the product of not two but three separate hand-pickings at different levels of potential alcohol, the smallest being truly vendange tardive. Fresh lime and luscious honeydew melon are mingled with chalk and salt on a lees-enriched palate that retains startling vibrancy and sheer refreshment. (The pH level here is an amazingly low 3.2.) I'd like to see a floral dimension emerge here, as may well happen with another 6-9 months in bottle, and I would expect this to perform well for twice that long." 90 points - David Schildknecht - Wine Advocate

WINE:
"One of the oldest viticultural areas of France, vines in the Roussillon were cultivated by the Romans, and perhaps even before that. With some of the most dramatic topography in France, many of the zones are composed of extremely steep hillsides - resembling the Priorat in Spain in many ways. One of the most sought-after winemakers of Europe at the moment, Jean-Marc Lafage, lends his expertise with Southern European varietals to several top estates in both France and Spain (he makes Evodia and Novellum with Eric Solomon among other custom cuvee projects). However, his best work is perhaps at home at his estate in the hills of the Roussillon with his wife, Eliane, also a highly accomplished winemaker. This wine is created from grapes from varied vintages. The name 'Centenaire' refers to how the age of vines for this wine are 100+ years old." -Importer