VINOUS – NICOLAS GREINACHER – DÉGUSTATION OCTOBRE 2025

Vieux Télégraphe Rouge – 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

(94) The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau is going to turn heads for a long time to come. Pronounced violets, wild strawberries and melted licorice mingle with blackberry and garrigue on the complex aromatic profile. Alluring, concentrated and superbly structured through polished tannins, the full-bodied 2023 is such a gorgeous Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau.

Vieux Télégraphe Blanc – 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

(93) The 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau is at eye level with the equally stunning 2020 and 2021 renditions, mixing 40% Clairette with 25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne and 10% Bourboulenc. Swirling the glass unlocks fresh white flowers, lemon flesh, pear and a flicker of pastry. Medium- to full-bodied and compact, the precise-cut 2024 will benefit from a few years of cellaring but is hard to resist in its youth.

Vieux Télégraphe Rouge – 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

(91-93) Mixing 70% Grenache with the remainder split between Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau unwinds with wild strawberry, ripe blackberry, stemmy subtleties and peppery accents. Vinified using roughly 30% whole clusters, the 2024 is the first La Crau vintage where the grapes from around one hectare of Cinsault went into the mix, which was previously used for the Télégramme. Full-bodied, structured and concentrated, the 2024 is shaping up nicely, finishing with composure and subtle spiciness.

Télégramme 2024 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

(89-91) Mixing 85% Grenache with the remainder split between Syrah and Mourvèdre from fully destemmed grapes, the 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme unwinds with fragrant orange blossom and strawberry jam aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and perfumed, the open­-knit 2024 checks out with medium length. Let’s see whether it can pick up a little more substance during the remainder of its élevage.

PIEDLONG 2024 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

(91-93) Using roughly 40% whole clusters, the complex 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pope PiedLong opens with delicious orange rind, forest strawberry and herbal features. Savory and inviting, the 2024 showcases superb overall freshness, drawing to a close with elegance on the fruit-etched finish. 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre were used in this blend.

PIEDLONG 2023 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

(93) The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape PiedLong is an instant classic. Perfumed and complex, it starts with prominent forest strawberry, red plum, dried herbs and crushed violets. Touching the full-bodied palate with outstanding overall balance, the smoothly structured 2023 is both juicy and elegant, ending with continuity on the savory resolution.