2015 Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf du Pape La Crau Museum Release, Southern Rhone

Brilliant ruby-red. A fragrant nose evokes ripe red and dark berries, musky flowers, licorice and white pepper, and a smoky mineral overtone adds vivacity. Juicy and concentrated in the mouth, offering gently sweet cherry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Closes chewy, sweet and very long, with building tannins adding shape and grip. I really like the blend of structure and fruit here.

92-94 points Josh Raynolds vinous.com

This has a lovely, perfumy mix of savory, mint, tobacco, blood orange, cherry and bergamot notes all mixed together, carried by silky but ample structure before ending with a long, mineral- and shiso leaf–infused finish. Finely beaded acidity lets everything hang wonderfully. This should expand and cruise in the cellar.

95 points James Molesworth winespectator.com Drink: Now-2035

Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf du Pape La Crau Museum Release is one of the Rhône Valley’s most iconic mature reds, offering a rare opportunity to taste Grenache-based greatness in full bloom. Sourced from the legendary La Crau plateau—an elevated site covered in galets roulés that soak up the sun and radiate warmth into the vines—this wine captures both the strength and subtlety of Châteauneuf terroir.

The Brunier family, stewards of this estate for over a century, are known for a steadfastly traditional approach. Organic farming, whole cluster fermentation, extended maceration, and aging in large oak foudres all speak to their philosophy: let the vineyard speak, and let time do its work.

The Museum Release is selected from standout vintages and matured in the cellars of the domaine until the wine reaches its expressive peak. Expect layered aromatics of dried cherry, wild plum, leather, sweet tobacco, garrigue and dried lavender. The palate is seamless—silky yet firm, savoury yet perfumed, with notes of black tea, forest floor and stony minerality riding through a long, elegant finish. This is old-vine Grenache with soul and gravitas.

Best enjoyed alongside slow-roast lamb, duck with figs, porcini risotto or aged sheep’s cheese. Open it for a special night—or create one just for the occasion.