Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2020

One of the Rhône’s great estates, Vieux Telegraphe is run by Fredec and Daniel Brunier, the great-grandsons of founder, Hippolyte Brunier. The domaine occupies some 70 hectares on the stony plateau of Le Crau in the east of the Châteauneufdu- Pape appellation. The wines of Vieux Telegraphe are true classics – robust and earthy with strong personalities and a great track record of longevity in the cellar. The stony Plateau de la Crau, in the south-east of the appellation, where the villages of Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Courthézon meet. Grapes for this wine are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, then a third sorting in the winery. Gentle pressing and selective destemming, followed by 25-40 days’ traditional fermentation in temperature–controlled stainless-steel and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation. The wine spends 20-22 months in French oak foudres (60hl). Bottled unfined and unfiltered, then released at 2 years. Drink now through 2036. Such a deep and meaty nose with a slew of wild-herb, savory and subtle balsamic notes. Then comes the expansive and very concentrated palate, which reveals so many spicy nuances as it rolls over the palate, the stunning fine tannins pushing the finish out even further. – James Suckling, 97 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette Country – France Region – Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vintage – 2020 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 15%