JAMESSUCKLING.COM – DÉGUSTATION PAR JAMES SUCKLING – AVRIL 2024

VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE BLANC – CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2023

Subtle, elegant and very refined white Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It shows aromas of citrons, pears, wild herbs, fennel and blanched almonds. It’s medium-bodied with balance and a refined character throughout. Textural, caressing, precise and silky on the mid-palate. Flavorful and harmonious with a focused finish. Drink or hold. 95 pts

 

TÉLÉGRAMME – CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021

This is a stunning, well-balanced and crunchy Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Fresh and precise. It shows notes of red berries, cherries, bay leaves, wild herbs and baking spices. Medium -to full- bodied with fine tannins. It has a bright center-palate with freshness and harmony. It’s vibrant and zesty with a similar long finish. Drink or hold. 94 pts

 

VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE ROUGE – CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2023

Fresh forest berry, savory and wet earth aromas are married to a lovely freshness and fine tannins on the lively medium-to full-bodied palate. Very elegant finish that teases you with all its subtle nuances. A cuvee of 70% grenache, 15% syrah and 15% mourvedre. Drink or hold. 95 pts

 

PIEDLONG– CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021

I love the ripe red plum aroma of this generous and polished 2021. Stacks of fine tannins give it a very sensuous texture that makes it difficult to say no. Very long, velvety finish with excellent spicy complexity. From grenache growing on galet cobblestone soil and a small amount of mourvedre grown on sand that are fermented separately. Drink ok hold. 94 pts

 

CLOS ROQUÈTE – CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2023

Intense and aromatic, with so much texture to it. Notes of dried lemons, dried herbs, pears, blanched almonds and anise. Full-bodied with a well-rounded, suave and ample development on the palate. Plenty of dried herb character and vibrant spices. Creamy but agile. Drink or hold. 95 pts

 

CLOS ROQUÈTE – CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2022

A spectacular white, spicy, balanced and harmonious, with aromas of baked lemons, anise, honeysuckle, warm herbs and a touch of blanched almonds. It’s medium- to full-bodied with precise definition on the palate. Lively and vibrant with a caressing texture at the edges. The center-palate is vibrating with tension. Long finish. Drink or hold. 95 pts

 

PIGEOULET – IGP VAUCLUSE BLANC 2023

A well-rounded, creamy and vivid blend of 60% clairette, 20% roussanne, 10% grenache blanc and 10% vermentino. It shows aromas of dried lemons, apples, wild herbs and white flowers. Medium-bodied with a delicious center-palate. Supple and refreshing. Aromatic finish with some bitter almond character. Drink now. 92 pts

 

PIGEOULET – IGP VAUCLUSE ROUGE 2022

A vivid, juicy yet serious red with notes of cherries, strawberries, crushed raspberries and some roasted black pepper. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lively and spicy, with pure fruit character at the center and some dried herbs lifting the finish. Drink now. 92 pts

 

PIGEOULET – IGP VAUCLUSE BLANC 2022

Tons of citrus zest and a touch of spring blossom. Generous, but with lively acidity and interesting textural complexity. Elegant finish with impressive depth of lemony character and a touch of salt. 60% clairette, 20% roussanne, 10% grenache blanc and 10% vermentino. Named after the house where the Brnier Family lives. Drink now. 91 pts

 

MEGAPHONE – VENTOUX 2022

A well-crafted, balanced and lively red with aromas of red berries, dried herbs, stones and baking spices. It’s medium-to-full-bodied with fine tannins. Vivid and quite intense at the entry with a kick of spices bringing energy. Plenty of verve and wildness to the clear fruit character and a precise finish. Drink or hold. 92 pts

 

PIGEOULET – IGP VAUCLUSE ROUGE 2023

A delicious, juicy and mellow red with notes of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Well-rounded, creamy and fruit-driven, with a sublte touch of spices. Vivid and well done. Drink now. 92 pts

 

MEGAPHONE – VENTOUX 2023

A succulent red, bright and delicious, with aromas of small berries, dried thyme and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright, crunchy center-palate. It has pure fruit character at the center complemented by a touch of peppercorns, bringing vivacity and energy toward the finish. Drink or hold. 93 pts

 

TERRASSE DU DIABLE – LES PALLIERES GIGONDAS 2021

At once fresh, meaty and earthy, with candied orange freshness. This is concentrated and elegant, with crisp tannins that drive it over the medium-to-full-bodied palate. There’s terrific mountain freshness in the vibrant finish. A cuvee based on grenache with some mourvedre, mostly from high-altitude vineyards. Drink or hold. 95 pts

 

RACINES – LES PALLIERES GIGONDAS 2021

Concentrated and silky with fine, fantastic tannins for the 2021 vintage, this is earthy and meaty with excellent concentration and a very long, firm yet polished finish. A cuvee based on grenache from vines growing around the winery. Should age extremely well. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. 95 pts

 

AU PETIT BONHEUR – LES PALLIERES VIN DE FRANCE 2023

A pleasant, mellow and delicious rosé. It has aromas of dried lemons, wild herbs and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied with a fresh core of yellow fruit and plenty of energy. Round and textural. A blend of grenache, clairette and cinsault. Drink now. 91 pts