Notify me
2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau”
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
There is probably no wine more identifiable to our company than VT, as most of us call it around here. Kermit calls it Vieux Télé. The quality and longevity of this noble Rhône red is so incredibly consistent that we almost take it for granted (stress on the almost). As the number of offers hitting your inbox and mailbox climbs to unprecedented highs, it is important to step back and remember the tried and true, the old reliables that remain the best and surest investments in fine wine today. It is also important to remember the heights that old-vine Grenache can reach when planted on these arid, stony plateaus in the shadows of Mount Ventoux. Brothers Daniel and Frédéric Brunier own one of the most enviable sites in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the magical moonscape of La Crau. Their terroir, their savoir-faire, and their steadfast adherence to tradition have kept these wines among the world’s best, and also among its greatest price-to-quality ratios when you consider their proven track record for aging and developing into marvels. Thirty-plus vintages with KLWM and still going strong, VT remains a pride and a joy to sell and to enjoy. –Dixon Brooke
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2012 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% (Cinsault, Clairette, et al) |
Appellation: | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southern Rhône |
Winemaker: | Frédéric & Daniel Brunier |
Vineyard: | 20 to 60 years |
Soil: | Alluvial deposits, Limestone, Silica, and Molasse (red clay) with galets roulés |
Aging: | Wine rests in cuves for 10 months, and then ages for another 12 months in foudres, wine is bottled unfiltered, after 22 months of aging |
Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
More from this Producer or Region

2023 Côtes-du-Rhône “Sierra du Sud”
France | Southern Rhône
A pure Syrah bottling offering wild flavors of the Provençal countryside gently wrapped in a thick coat of tooth-staining deep purple fruit.

2022 Gigondas “Racines”
France | Southern Rhône
The palate is dense and ripe, yet wonderfully smooth and elegant. Racines seems to tap into the history of Les Pallières, the prestige and the high-toned elegance.

Clairette de Die “Tradition”
France | Southern Rhône
This festive sparkling wine is vinified following the ancient tradition of one of the most gorgeous corners of France, where small hills grow into small mountains on the flanks of the Alps.

2022 Vacqueyras Rouge “Cuvée de Lopy”
France | Southern Rhône
Stony and smoky, and full of garrigue and black cherry, it is an epic wine that opens up wonderfully now.

2023 Tavel “La Combe des Rieu”
France | Southern Rhône
This bears a rich bouquet of wild strawberry, flowers, garrigue, and sweet spices, culminating in a long, stony finale.

2024 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge
France | Southern Rhône
Hailing from a parcel of co-planted vines adjacent to the family home, these varieties were planted together with the express purpose of making the house rouge, the everyday vibrant and juicy drink you’d bring to the table in a jug and drink out of a cup.

2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge “Contre Couleur”
France | Southern Rhône
Deep, dynamic Grenache feels aptly highlighted by bright and fresh Clairette. Soft and rich, yet still defined.

2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeoulet”
France | Southern Rhône
This is about as quaffable as the region’s rouges get.

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau”
France | Southern Rhône
The majesty of the La Crau vineyard is encapsulated in this wine. I can't think of a grander expression of Southern Rhone terroir.

2024 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Blanc
France | Southern Rhône
This refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Viognier brings aromas of fresh sun-kissed peaches and cleansing rainwater.
More from Southern Rhône or France
2023 Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge
Domaine de Durban France | Southern Rhône
2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Blanc “Le Pigeoulet”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2022 Tavel “La Combe des Rieu”
Gaël Petit France | Southern Rhône
2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Piedlong”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Clos la Roquète”
Frédéric & Daniel Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau”
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe France | Southern Rhône
2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeoulet”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2007 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable”
Domaine Les Pallières France | Southern Rhône
2022 Vacqueyras Rouge “Cuvée de Lopy”
Domaine le Sang des Cailloux France | Southern Rhône
2021 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable” MAGNUM
Domaine Les Pallières France | Southern Rhône
Huile d’Olive Vierge Extra
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe | Southern Rhône
2023 Vacqueyras Rouge “ Doucinello”
Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux France | Southern Rhône
2023 Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge
Domaine de Durban France | Southern Rhône
2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Blanc “Le Pigeoulet”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2022 Tavel “La Combe des Rieu”
Gaël Petit France | Southern Rhône
2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Piedlong”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Clos la Roquète”
Frédéric & Daniel Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau”
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe France | Southern Rhône
2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeoulet”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône
2007 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable”
Domaine Les Pallières France | Southern Rhône
2022 Vacqueyras Rouge “Cuvée de Lopy”
Domaine le Sang des Cailloux France | Southern Rhône
2021 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable” MAGNUM
Domaine Les Pallières France | Southern Rhône
Huile d’Olive Vierge Extra
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe | Southern Rhône
2023 Vacqueyras Rouge “ Doucinello”
Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux France | Southern Rhône
Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
If you're looking for value, look where no one else is looking.
Inspiring Thirst, page 211