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

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe’s 2020 Châteauneuf-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 Rhône in every sip.

Product Details:

• Winemakers: Frédéric Brunier & Daniel Brunier
• Owners: Frédéric Brunier & Daniel Brunier
• Region: Southern Rhône, France
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Vineyard: La Crau Plateau (60 hectares)
• Vine Age: 60–110 years
• Soil: Alluvial deposits, limestone, silica, and molasse (red clay) with galets roulés
• Grape Composition: 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 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 Rhône 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 Télégraphe has long been a benchmark for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially from its iconic La Crau vineyard. Under the stewardship of Frédéric 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 élevage in large foudres. The estate’s sun-bathed, wind-swept galets roulés lend a distinctive minerality and power to the wines, ensuring both typicity and longevity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2020 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe ‘La Crau’ at 60–65°F in a Burgundy or Rhône-style glass. If drinking young, decant for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the wine’s full aromatic complexity to unfold. Enjoy herb-crusted lamb, cassoulet, venison, or truffle risotto. For a cheese pairing, opt for aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire. This is a wine built to age, ideally enjoyed between 2025 and 2035 for peak expression.

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe’s 2020 ‘La Crau’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a profound and soulful wine, an ode to old vines, time-honored craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of one of France’s most storied crus.