2021 Vieux Telegraphe 'La Crau' Châteauneuf-du-Pape
When it comes to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vieux Télégraphe isn’t just a benchmark — it’s the benchmark. The Brunier family has been rooted on the legendary La Crau plateau for over a century, crafting soulful, structured wines that capture the beating heart of the southern Rhône. And in 2021, they’ve hit a whole new sweet spot. Classic vintage conditions met a fresh wave of intergenerational energy, and the result is one of the most finessed, charming young La Craus we’ve tasted. Think black cherries soaked in sunlight, wild mint, eucalyptus, and all the savory wild herbs of the garrigue, wrapped around a core of serious structure and unmistakable southern warmth. It's a wine that reminds you why La Crau is Châteauneuf’s grandest cru — and why V.T. is still at the top of its game.
Grab a few for the cellar (and one for tonight)—this is a La Crau you won't want to miss!
Wine Advocate
Delicate aromas of spices, licorice, garrigue, dark berries and dark cherries preface the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textured Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is framed around velvety, elegant tannins, with good depth at the core and a pure, precise texture that segues into a long, delicate and ethereal finish. Superb!
Wine Spectator
An alluring perfume of red currant and dried cherry is followed by earth tones of warm chestnut, wet leaves, brown bread and pepper, all built upon a plank of solid iron. There's a bloody, meaty edge to the palate, which is still tightly wound up by fine, persistent tannins. Incense smoke and mineral notes bounce along the lengthy finish. Elegant in spite of its weight and stature. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2042.
Vinous
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 the 2020 or 2019, but the 2021 is certainly the most elegant rendition among them. (Drink between 2025-2043)
Jeb Dunnuck
The Grand Vin from this great estate, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape reveals a semi-opaque ruby hue to go with a classic style in its ripe red and black berry fruits, peppery garrigue, leather, earth, black olive, and baking spice-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with fine tannins, it's a beautiful wine in the vintage that should have 15 years of longevity.Unfortunately, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe saw most of their old vines wiped out due to the devastating hailstorm and tornado on August 14th, forcing them to harvest what they could shortly thereafter. As such, they opted to not produce their Grand Vin and blended everything (red and white varieties) into their Télégramme cuvee. (Drink between 2023-2038)