Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Télégramme” — Southern Rhône, France
Overview
The 2023 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe “Télégramme” is the second wine of the iconic Brunier family estate, offering an earlier-drinking expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape without sacrificing pedigree or complexity. Made primarily from younger vines of the legendary La Crau plateau, this cuvée delivers everything that defines great Rhône reds — ripe red fruit, spice, garrigue, and mineral depth — in a vibrant, silky package.
Certified organic (practicing) and crafted with the same meticulous care as the flagship wine, Télégramme is the elegant, expressive side of Vieux Télégraphe: approachable now, yet structured enough to evolve gracefully for the next decade.
Estate & Terroir
Founded in 1898, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is one of the pillars of the Southern Rhône, with over a century of history rooted on the sun-drenched, wind-swept plateau of La Crau, the most prestigious cru in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The Brunier family’s vineyards sit atop ancient alluvial soils layered with limestone, silica, red clay (molasse), and the region’s hallmark galets roulés — large, heat-retaining stones that radiate warmth at night and regulate vine stress.
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Average vine age: 40 years
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Altitude: High-elevation plateau (providing freshness and lift)
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Soils: Alluvial deposits, limestone, silica, molasse, and rounded stones
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Farming: Practicing organic, with minimal intervention and natural grass cover
This terroir’s combination of heat, wind, and drainage yields fruit that is simultaneously rich and pure — a perfect canvas for the Bruniers’ traditional, whole-cluster fermentation approach.
Winemaking
The 2023 Télégramme embodies the Brunier philosophy of authenticity and restraint.
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Fermentation: Traditional whole-cluster fermentation in cement tanks with native yeasts
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Aging: 10 months in concrete, followed by 6 months in large oak foudres
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Fining/Filtration: None — bottled unfiltered to preserve texture
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Blend: Dominated by Grenache, complemented by Mourvèdre and Syrah
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Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
The result is a wine of vivid energy, supple texture, and terroir-driven finesse — a Châteauneuf that captures the purity of fruit and garrigue-laced minerality that define the region.
Tasting Notes
Color: Brilliant ruby-red with violet reflections, glimmering with youthful intensity.
Nose: Seductive and generous, offering aromas of wild raspberry, red cherry, and ripe strawberry, framed by fresh herbs, lavender, white pepper, and crushed stone. Subtle notes of anise, tobacco leaf, and violets reveal the signature elegance of Vieux Télégraphe.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied and remarkably refined. The palate opens with a rush of fresh red fruit — grenadine, pomegranate, and framboise — balanced by hints of earthy minerality and garrigue. Fine-grained tannins wrap around a core of lively acidity, lending poise and freshness.
Finish: Lingering and harmonious, with echoes of crushed rock, thyme, and rose petal. A touch of liquorice and blood orange zest adds complexity on the close.
Critical Acclaim
⭐ Vinous (90–92 Points)
“The spicy and red-fruited 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme is shaping up to become yet another rock-solid red from the talented Brunier family. Anchored by polished tannins, the fruit-driven and expressive 2023 finishes with refreshing energy.”
⭐ Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant (Importer Notes)
“Made from the La Crau vineyard’s younger vines, Télégramme offers juicy drinkability that’s cozy and craveable — aromatic red fruit lifted by pine sap and wild herbs. It’s the Châteauneuf for every table.”
Food Pairing
Télégramme’s approachable fruit and soft structure make it a versatile companion at the table. Pair it with:
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Herb-roasted lamb with garlic and rosemary
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Duck confit or seared duck breast with cherry reduction
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Wild mushroom risotto or truffle pasta
- Grilled vegetables and Provençal ratatouille
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Beef carpaccio with olive oil and thyme
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Aged cheeses such as Comté, Gouda, or Manchego
Serve at 60–62 °F (16–17 °C) in large Burgundy-style glasses to enhance its floral aromatics.
Cellaring Potential
While delicious now for its youthful exuberance, 2023 Télégramme will continue to evolve gracefully.
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Drink window: 2025 – 2035
Expect the bright red fruits to deepen into darker, more savory tones with time, revealing layers of truffle, spice, and forest floor.
Technical Details
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Producer: Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe (Famille Brunier)
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Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhône Valley, France
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Blend: Predominantly Grenache with Mourvèdre and Syrah
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Soil: Alluvial deposits, limestone, silica, molasse, and galets roulés
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Aging: 10 months in cement + 6 months in large oak foudres
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Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
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Farming: Practicing Organic
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Format: 750 ml and 1.5 L Magnum
Why Buy from MyWinePlus
✔ Authentic allocations from one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most historic estates
✔ Practicing organic vineyards and minimal-intervention winemaking
✔ Perfect balance of approachability and age-worthiness
✔ Ideal for cellars or gifts — a true gateway into the Vieux Télégraphe legacy
