Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe ‘La Crau’ Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France

Description

Domaine du Vieux Tlgraphes 2020 Chteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau is a monument to place and tradition, rooted in the galet-strewn vineyards of the La Crau plateau and elevated by generations of Brunier family expertise. With fruit sourced from 60- to 110-year-old vines, this vintage is a profound expression of balance and terroir, a wine of tension and grace that captures the sun-drenched soul of Southern Rhne in every sip.

Product Details:

• Winemakers: Frdric Brunier & Daniel Brunier
• Owners: Frdric Brunier & Daniel Brunier
• Region: Southern Rhne, France
• Appellation: Chteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Vineyard: La Crau Plateau (60 hectares)
• Vine Age: 60110 years
• Soil: Alluvial deposits, limestone, silica, and molasse (red clay) with galets rouls
• Grape Composition: 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvdre, 15% Syrah, 5% other permitted varieties (including Cinsault and Clairette)
• Farming Practices: Practicing organic
• Aging Regimen: 10 months in concrete vats followed by 12 months in large French oak foudres; bottled unfined and unfiltered after 22 months
• Alcohol: 14.5%

Sensory Description:

Deep ruby in the glass, the 2020 La Crau opens with layered aromas of ripe cherry, red currant, lavender, and smoked herbs, underpinned by suggestions of graphite, olive, and crushed stone. On the palate, it shows classic Rhne depth and poise, offering a vibrant interplay of red fruit, dusty earth, and savory spice. Firm tannins and a line of saline minerality lead to a lingering, resonant finish. This is a vintage of precision and restraint, calling for both contemplation and cellaring.

Awards & Accolades:

• 97 Points James Suckling (Nov 2023): Squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness Stony minerality, saltiness, and dried flower character.
• 96 Points Decanter (Oct 2021): Full, generous, and broad bright, vibrant acidity and a fine but dense weft of tannins.
• 95 Points Wine Advocate (May 2022): Tasted as a tank sample about 30% whole cluster inclusion enhances its complexity.
• 95 Points The Wine Cellar Insider (Jan 2023): Polished, silky, and elegant, with a purity that stands out on the palate.
• 94 Points Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2022): Black cherries, mulberries, dried violets medium-bodied, balanced profile.
• 94 Points Vinous (June 2023): Rose petals, redcurrant, and wild strawberry structured yet seamless nature.

Winemaker’s Background:

Founded in 1898, Domaine du Vieux Tlgraphe has long been a benchmark for Chteauneuf-du-Pape, especially from its iconic La Crau vineyard. Under the stewardship of Frdric and Daniel Brunier, the sixth generation of the family, the domaine remains fiercely committed to traditional methods: practicing organic viticulture, whole-cluster fermentation, and long levage in large foudres. The estates sun-bathed, wind-swept galets rouls lend a distinctive minerality and power to the wines, ensuring both typicity and longevity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2020 Domaine du Vieux Tlgraphe La Crau at 6065F in a Burgundy or Rhne-style glass. If drinking young, decant for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the wines full aromatic complexity to unfold. Enjoy herb-crusted lamb, cassoulet, venison, or truffle risotto. For a cheese pairing, opt for aged Comt or Saint-Nectaire. This is a wine built to age, ideally enjoyed between 2025 and 2035 for peak expression.

Domaine du Vieux Tlgraphes 2020 La Crau Chteauneuf-du-Pape is a profound and soulful wine, an ode to old vines, time-honored craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of one of Frances most storied crus.