VINOUS – NICOLAS GREINACHER – DÉGUSTATION AOUT 2024

2017 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (93)

Attention-grabbing notes of flintstone, lemon flesh, ripe pear and dried flowers introduce the multifaceted 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau, a medium-bodied white with remarkable freshness. Carrying spot-on balance, the tasty 2017 sits in a beautiful drinking spot, where I suspect it will remain for five more years. A long and sapid finish wraps it up.

2022 Télégramme (92)

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish. What a lovely Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

2022 Piedlong (94)

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape PiedLong is a beauty. Prominent raspberry compote, ripe strawberry, melted licorice, dried herbs and peppery nuances rise up from the glass. Supported by ripe and sleek tannins, the full-bodied 2022 is loaded with intensity, wrapping up with endurance on the powerful finish. There’s no doubt that this is a long-distance runner. Readers should note that Vieux Télégraphe did not produce a 2022 La Crau due to the devastating hail damage in August.

2023 Télégramme (90-92)

The spicy and red-fruited 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme is shaping up to become yet another rock-solid red Châteauneuf from the talented Brunier family. Anchored by polished tannins, the fruit-driven and expressive 2023 checks out with a refreshing finish.

2023 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (92)

The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau is delightful, offering a fresh and fragrant bouquet of white flowers and citrus fruits, accented by a hint of green apple. The 2023 delivers ample energy on the medium-to full-bodied palate an exits with a refined finish. As with the red, Vieux Télégraphe did not produce a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau in 2022 vintage due to the devastating August hailstorms.

2023 Piedlong (91-93)

Vinified with 30% whole clusters, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pied Long blends 90% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre. Vivid orange blossom, wild strawberry, rosewater and spicy gradations are all dialed up. Touching the palate with ample freshness wrapped in smooth tannins, the 2023 packs remarkable elegance.

2023 Vieux Télégraphe Rouge (92-94)

Vinified with 20% whole clusters, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau unwinds from the glass with fragrant rose petal, wild strawberry, licorice, and stemmy subtleties. Juicy and expressive, the full-bodied 2023 is immediately alluring, precisely balance and remarkably elegant on the complex finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.