Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau” – Southern Rhône, France
Overview
A legend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2023 “La Crau” continues the estate’s near-century tradition of crafting wines that express the stony, windswept plateau of La Crau like no other.
Scoring 98 Points (James Suckling) and 95 Points (Jeb Dunnuck), this vintage is a triumph of finesse, minerality, and longevity. Made from 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah, and aged entirely in traditional large oak foudres, it represents the purest expression of the domaine’s philosophy: power through restraint, richness through elegance.
For collectors, connoisseurs, and Rhône lovers, this is one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, destined to age gracefully for two decades or more.
Estate & Winemaking
Founded in 1898, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe has been run by the Brunier family for six generations. Perched atop the fabled La Crau plateau, the vineyards lie on soils blanketed with galets roulés—ancient sun-warmed stones that radiate heat into the vines, ensuring exceptional ripeness and concentration while preserving balance and freshness.
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Appellation: AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Vineyard Altitude: ~100 m above sea level
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Average Vine Age: 60 + years
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Viticulture: Certified sustainable; low yields; hand harvesting
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Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, traditional vinification
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Aging: 100% in large foudres for 18–20 months
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Fining/Filtration: None — bottled unfiltered to preserve texture and terroir expression
The Bruniers believe that terroir is everything. Their minimalist approach—no new oak, minimal extraction, and gravity-flow winemaking—allows the deep minerality and distinctive garrigue of La Crau to shine.
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby-red with purple reflections, showing brilliant clarity and youthful vibrancy.
Aromas: A captivating bouquet of wild red berries, crushed raspberry, and fresh cherry opens the nose, layered with garrigue herbs, thyme, violet, rose petal, and subtle notes of crushed stone and wet earth. As the wine evolves in the glass, nuances of licorice, dried lavender, and subtle spice emerge.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied with extraordinary purity and balance. Silky tannins glide over a core of framboise, red currant, and black plum, underscored by mineral tension and a whisper of smoky pepper. The texture is supple yet firm, offering a seamless combination of fruit intensity, savory depth, and freshness.
Finish: Long, lifted, and endlessly refined. Notes of ripe strawberry, crushed rock, and herbes de Provence linger, carried by a saline minerality that defines La Crau’s terroir.
Critical Acclaim
⭐ 98 Points – James Suckling
“In spite of its extreme youth, this great Châteauneuf-du-Pape leaps out at you with its depth of wet-earth, ripe red-berry and dried-flower aromas. Rich and concentrated, but so suave and refined. Incredible length! Can’t wait to taste this masterpiece as a bottled wine.” — Stuart Pigott
⭐ 95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Beautiful red fruit—cherries, framboise—alongside a mineral-laced array of garrigue, sappy flowers, and crushed stone. Medium-to-full-bodied with a pure, elegant mouthfeel and building tannins. Will benefit from a few years in bottle and shine for two decades.”
⭐ 94 Points – Vinous
“Juicy and expressive, the full-bodied 2023 is immediately alluring, precisely balanced, and remarkably elegant on the complex finish. Fragrant rose petal, wild strawberry, licorice and stemmy subtleties.” — Nicolas Greinacher
Food Pairing Suggestions
The 2023 Vieux Télégraphe “La Crau” is a gastronomic wine built for the table. Its balance of fruit, earth, and minerality makes it a versatile partner for both refined and rustic cuisine.
- Roast rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic
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Duck breast with black cherry reduction
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Beef tenderloin with wild mushroom jus
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Truffle risotto or porcini tagliatelle
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Roasted game birds or venison stew
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Aged cheeses like Comté, Tomme de Savoie, or Époisses
Serve slightly below room temperature (60–62 °F) in large Burgundy glasses to highlight its aromatic complexity.
Cellaring Potential
A classic Vieux Télégraphe—built for longevity.
While seductive in youth, the 2023 vintage will reward patience:
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Peak drinking: 2028 – 2048 +
Expect it to evolve gracefully, developing notes of truffle, leather, and forest floor while retaining its signature freshness.
Technical Details
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Producer: Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe (Famille Brunier)
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Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
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Vineyard: La Crau Plateau
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Blend: 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah
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Farming: Sustainable & Organic Principles
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Fermentation: 20% whole cluster
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Aging: 18 months in large foudres
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Alcohol: 14.5% ABV (approx.)
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Format: 750 ml | 1.5 L Magnum
Why Buy from MyWinePlus
✔ Authentic, direct-imported allocation of one of the most collectible Rhône wines
✔ From the legendary La Crau plateau—home to the purest expressions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
✔ Organic farming, traditional winemaking, and long aging potential
✔ Backed by 98-point acclaim and nearly a century of winemaking excellence
