VINOUS – NICOLAS GREINACHER – DÉGUSTATION AVRIL 2023

2018 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (93)

The 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau is showing well. Mixing bright aromas of jasmine, dried lemon peel, lime zest, yellow apple, white peach, pineapple, dried ginger and a pinch of honey. Medium to full-bodied, vibrant with a core of fresh acidity, it concludes with a sapid finish and a modestly salty aftertaste.

2019 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (94)

Vieux Télégraphe’s 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau is a delicious blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Fragrant aromas of spring flowers, grapefruit, quince, lemon zest, white peach, melon and a flinty twist introduce this 2019 La Crau. It is a full-bodied, refined white with moderate levels of round acidity and great persistence on the finish.

2020 Télégramme (92)

Checking in at 15% alcohol, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme reveals aromas of predominantly ripe black fruits, strawberry compote, dried herbs, mint and licorice. It is a layered, full-bodied red with ample concentration, neatly balanced by fresh acidity concluding with a touch of heat on the savory finish.

2020 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (93)

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau checks in at a moderate 13.5% alcohol. It displays enticing aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, lemon peel, lime zest, white peach and hints of fresh coconut. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, the 2020 concludes with a sapid finish and will provide sheer drinking pleasure over the next seven years.

2020 Vieux Télégraphe Rouge (94)

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau was vinified from partially de-stemmed grapes and aged in foudre. The 2020 La Crau displays pronounced aromas of rose petals, redcurrant, red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of smoke. Full-bodied, refined and built like a brick wall, it will reward bottle age.

2021 Télégramme (91-93)

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme shows the characteristics of the vintage well. Mingling aromas of crushed flowers, fresh raspberry and strawberry as well as dried herbs. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, layered, framed by a smooth tannin structure and balanced by lively acids.

2021 Vieux Télégraphe Blanc (93)

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau is made from Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. It presents lively aromas of grapefruit, sping flowers, white peach and a pinch of mango. This medium-bodied wine hits the palate with excellent flavor concentration and crisp acidity, finishing bright and juicy.

2021 Vieux Télégraphe (93-95)

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau is a solid effort from the Brunier family. The 2021 La Crau unfurls in the glass with a fragrant perfume of crushed violets, lavender, strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, mint and a dash of white pepper. It is full-bodied and layered, showing a refined profile marked by soft tannins and lively acids. Not as powerful as either 2020 or 2019, but the 2021 is certainly the most elegant rendition among them.