| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
One of the more youthful wines in the retrospective, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau from the Brunier brothers is a head-turner. Possessing the ever present seaweed/nori character that I almost always find in this cuvee, it has a beautiful core of currants, crushed rocks, tapenade and licorice-like aromas and flavors. Made from 65% Grenache, 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Cinsault—all from the famed La Crau lieu-dit—this is as traditional and classic Chateauneuf du Pape as you can get. It’s a gorgeous wine that has another 10-15 years of longevity. 2016 - 2031
No tasting note given.This venerable estate, long run by the Brunier family, is a consistent source for fabulous wines
A very grippy style, with lots of sweet tapenade, tobacco, hot stone and braised chestnut notes weaving through a core of dark currant and fig fruit. There's a nice twinge of lavender on the structured finish. For the cellar. Best from 2010 through 2028.
The 2006 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape, which is aged only in foudre and bottled with minimal clarification, is a more masculine, muscular effort than most 2006s. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by notions of the sushi seaweed wrapper, nori, interwoven with incense, lavender, pepper, and copious quantities of black cherry and raspberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannin, and good structure as well as depth, it will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 15 or more years. The Brunier brothers would like me to include all of their wines under one entity called Vignobles Brunier, but that has caused confusion among subscribers trying to find the reviews for Vieux Telegraphe, Domaine La Roquette, and Domaine Les Pallieres. So, with apologies to the Bruniers, I am returning to the old format.
A blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault that's aged in tank and foudres, the 2006 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau possesses a high toned, bright nose of wild raspberries, hot stones, licorice, roasted herbs and garrigue notes. Seemingly disjointed at first, this comes together nicely with air and is medium to full bodied with a rich, savory texture, impressive balance and long finish. (Drink between 2009-2021)
