2022 Vieux Telegraphe Telegramme Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish. What a lovely Châteauneuf-duPape.

92 points Nicolas Greinacher vinous.com Drink: 2026-2039

A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish. More austere than previous vintages, this iteration stands out as a commendable rendition within the context of the vintage.

92 points Yohan Castaing robertparker.com Drink: 2024-2040

Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done.

93 points Kristen Bieler winespectator.com Drink: Now-2032

Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf du Pape is the younger sibling to the legendary La Crau, but it’s no understudy. Made by the Brunier family—icons of the Southern Rhône—Télégramme is crafted to show a more approachable, fruit-forward side of Châteauneuf, while still carrying the pedigree and finesse of one of the region’s most historic domaines.

The wine comes from the estate’s younger vines (still around 20 to 30 years old) and select plots outside the famed La Crau plateau. It’s mostly Grenache, with a touch of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, organically farmed and made with the same traditional methods as the flagship wine: whole bunch fermentation, wild yeasts, and aging in large foudres.

On the nose, it’s all about ripe red berries, sweet herbs, lavender and a dusting of peppery spice. The palate is juicy and open-knit, with plush cherry and raspberry fruit, a whisper of garrigue, and a silky finish that still holds a bit of grip. It’s generous and warm but stays fresh and balanced throughout.

Pair it with roast chicken, grilled lamb chops, ratatouille or hard cheeses. Drink it young to enjoy its vibrancy, or age it for five to seven years if you want to see more savoury depth emerge.