Piedlong - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

 "It is not often that we get to introduce a new wine from the folks at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. What hasn’t been said about the incredible quality, consistency, and value of this storied domaine? The history of Vieux Télégraphe is integral to that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, thus making the domaine’s introduction of the Piedlong that much more important.

The vines for this new cuvée have long been in the Brunier family and were previously featured in the tête de cuvée from Domaine la Roquète. Over time, Frédéric and Daniel Brunier felt that there was something different, something special about the Plateau du Piedlong that needed to be showcased. The sandy, well-drained soil and vines located at the highest point of the appellation lend a hand in producing the most elegant wines from Châteauneuf. The terroir and resulting wine stand apart from their flagship La Crau bottling. With the 2011 vintage, it was time to feature these vines and their character with their own name and on their own terms." - Clark Z. Terry - Kermit Lynch

Vinonueva Tasting Notes: Beautiful red fruit of red currant and strawberry, but with the classic garrigue and animal elements. Silky tannins, complement the wine’s earthy nature. The wine has an undeniable artisanal, country character, that feels honest and proud.

"An elegant, lighter style -- partly a reflection of the leaner vintage -- packed with impressive energy and complexity. Rose petal, white pepper and incense smoke notes infuse red berry flavors, all powered by a bright beam of acidity. Fine-grained tannins show polish and appeal through the refined, alluring finish, with graphite etchings. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2040." - 94 points, Wine Spectator

"Tasted just prior to bottling, Piedlong's 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre from the lieu-dit of the same name. Scents of roses, red berries and citrus zest appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and elegant, with a hint of cracked pepper on the lingering finish. Taking its name from a lieu-dit, Piedlong is a Brunier family project focused on Grenache Noir from sandy soils, in contrast to the galets roulés that characterize the La Crau bottling from Vieux Télégraphe. The usual blend is 90% Grenache from le Pied Long and 10% Mourvèdre from Pignan. This is a lighter-hued, more ephemeral expression of Grenache and CdP, yet it's one that can still possess ample aging potential. The 2021 is particularly successful in a challenging vintage, even if it is more of an early-drinker." - 92-94 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Piedlong

Country: France

Region: Rhône Valley

Varietal: Grenache, Mourvèdre

Appellation: Châteauneuf du Pape

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml