97 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "This splendid property in Bedarrides, owned by the Brunier family, is one of the top crus of the appellation. It has a single vast vineyard holding, entirely located on the plateau of La Crau and produces wines of a remarkable quality. The red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) is one of the most complete of the appellation, in a style skilfully developed by the Bruniers, which does not emphasize power despite the generosity in alcohol, but on the contrary the balance and refinement. (2023)"
97 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "This amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness in spite of coming from a very warm and dry vintage. The stony minerality, saltiness and dried flower character wind together to form a dynamic whole, driving this gracefully across the palate. But I must also mention the savory and licorice richness that is so deftly wrapped around them. Very long, salty and velvety finish. Drink or hold. (11/19/23)"
***** John Livingstone-Learmonth (The Cradle of The Rhône): "red robe, bright. The bouquet is marked by plum fruits, raspberry airs with plentiful mixed herbs, thyme, lavender, licorice; the palate swoops in well on the attack, is full of beans with a good filling of tight, smoky, mineral content. Its tannins are energised, busy - this is long and properly fuelled, a real child of the garrigue, a good wild side to it. The aftertaste produces iron-blood, rocky fissure influences. It has strong character, like its galet stone covered plateau. From 2028. 2053-55 Oct 2022 Previously Oct 2021 ***** (large barrel) red robe, clear. The nose parades happy red fruits, fruit lozenges, with discreet herbs, soaked red cherries [griottes], is a bundle of appeal, very primary for now. The palate links very well, flows on stylish richness, has a perfumed, rather sultry tone, with really fine tannins well on the inside, great finesse in them. The fruit has a tinkling clarity, is very beau. It’s fresh on the exit, has 30-35% stems included now. It gradually accumulates its depth, is very, very long, stately, aromatic, interesting. From 2026. 2051-53 Oct 2021"
95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Flowers and cherries with a touch of spice form the core of the wine. On the palate. there is softness and elegance that you feel instantly. The fruit is polished, silky and elegant with a purity to the fruit on the mid-palate and in the finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault, along with other, assorted red and white grape varieties. 60-70% of the harvest is destemmed. Drink from 2023-2037. (Jan 2023)"
93-95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Tasted as a tank sample of the final blend, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties, with about 30% whole bunches used in the ferments. Marked by ripe cherries and hints of complex garrigue notes on the nose, it's full-bodied but also really elegant, with fine-grained, silky tannins, ample concentration and a long, surprisingly crisp finish. Drink: 2022-2040. (May 2022)"
94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape also showed well, with a lighter, elegant style that still brings plenty of intensity. Black cherries, mulberries, dried violets, and loamy earth define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, balanced, and finesse-driven on the palate, with ripe tannins as well as a terrific sense of salinity on the finish. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+ (11/11/22)"
94 points Nocilas Greinacher (Vinous): "The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau was vinified from partially de-stemmed grapes and aged in foudre. The 2020 La Crau displays pronounced aromas of rose petals, redcurrant, red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of smoke. Full-bodied, refined and built like a brick wall, it will reward bottle age. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jun 2023)"
94 points/'#7 Top 100 Wines of 2024,' Wine Spectator: "[$114 list] This shows a lot of aromatic appeal, with dusty earth and singed incense notes covering a well of fresh cherry and red currant flavors. A gutsy, grippy style on the palate, with a cast iron spine bringing firm shape and underlying power. Slightly old-school, this still needs time to unfurl. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2025 through 2035. (3/31/24)"
94 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Strong ruby, purple reflections, broader ochre brightening on the rim. Fine southern herbal blend, ripe plums and cherries, subtle hints of nougat and orange zest, a classic bouquet. Juicy cherries, very lively structure, fine ripe tannins, red berry finish. A lively, animating style, seems very light on its feet with good length and certain ageing potential. (4/20/23)"
97 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "This amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness in spite of coming from a very warm and dry vintage. The stony minerality, saltiness and dried flower character wind together to form a dynamic whole, driving this gracefully across the palate. But I must also mention the savory and licorice richness that is so deftly wrapped around them. Very long, salty and velvety finish. Drink or hold. (11/19/23)"
***** John Livingstone-Learmonth (The Cradle of The Rhône): "red robe, bright. The bouquet is marked by plum fruits, raspberry airs with plentiful mixed herbs, thyme, lavender, licorice; the palate swoops in well on the attack, is full of beans with a good filling of tight, smoky, mineral content. Its tannins are energised, busy - this is long and properly fuelled, a real child of the garrigue, a good wild side to it. The aftertaste produces iron-blood, rocky fissure influences. It has strong character, like its galet stone covered plateau. From 2028. 2053-55 Oct 2022 Previously Oct 2021 ***** (large barrel) red robe, clear. The nose parades happy red fruits, fruit lozenges, with discreet herbs, soaked red cherries [griottes], is a bundle of appeal, very primary for now. The palate links very well, flows on stylish richness, has a perfumed, rather sultry tone, with really fine tannins well on the inside, great finesse in them. The fruit has a tinkling clarity, is very beau. It’s fresh on the exit, has 30-35% stems included now. It gradually accumulates its depth, is very, very long, stately, aromatic, interesting. From 2026. 2051-53 Oct 2021"
95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Flowers and cherries with a touch of spice form the core of the wine. On the palate. there is softness and elegance that you feel instantly. The fruit is polished, silky and elegant with a purity to the fruit on the mid-palate and in the finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault, along with other, assorted red and white grape varieties. 60-70% of the harvest is destemmed. Drink from 2023-2037. (Jan 2023)"
93-95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Tasted as a tank sample of the final blend, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties, with about 30% whole bunches used in the ferments. Marked by ripe cherries and hints of complex garrigue notes on the nose, it's full-bodied but also really elegant, with fine-grained, silky tannins, ample concentration and a long, surprisingly crisp finish. Drink: 2022-2040. (May 2022)"
94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape also showed well, with a lighter, elegant style that still brings plenty of intensity. Black cherries, mulberries, dried violets, and loamy earth define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, balanced, and finesse-driven on the palate, with ripe tannins as well as a terrific sense of salinity on the finish. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+ (11/11/22)"
94 points Nocilas Greinacher (Vinous): "The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau was vinified from partially de-stemmed grapes and aged in foudre. The 2020 La Crau displays pronounced aromas of rose petals, redcurrant, red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of smoke. Full-bodied, refined and built like a brick wall, it will reward bottle age. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jun 2023)"
94 points/'#7 Top 100 Wines of 2024,' Wine Spectator: "[$114 list] This shows a lot of aromatic appeal, with dusty earth and singed incense notes covering a well of fresh cherry and red currant flavors. A gutsy, grippy style on the palate, with a cast iron spine bringing firm shape and underlying power. Slightly old-school, this still needs time to unfurl. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2025 through 2035. (3/31/24)"
94 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Strong ruby, purple reflections, broader ochre brightening on the rim. Fine southern herbal blend, ripe plums and cherries, subtle hints of nougat and orange zest, a classic bouquet. Juicy cherries, very lively structure, fine ripe tannins, red berry finish. A lively, animating style, seems very light on its feet with good length and certain ageing potential. (4/20/23)"
| Product SKU | 352192 |
| Producer | Vieux Télégraphe |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| SubRegion | Southern Rhône |
| Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Varietal | Other Red Blends |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 375ml |
| Color | Red |
| Ships To |
