Vignobles Brunier

The Crau plot at La Roquète is dominated by distinctive, predominantly sandy, soils, which is honoured by Daniel in this suitably distinctive cuvée. Its nomenclature has changed a little over the years, with the common thread being Piedlong – appropriately enough as this is the name of the lieu-dit that provides the majority of the fruit. One can almost taste the Mistral in the sinewy pores of this outstanding effort, with 10 percent Mourvèdre adding a dark soul to this otherwise supremely pure wine, a characteristic Daniel described as “ethereal”. “Rose petals” and “thyme” were the first two words to land on my wine-splattered tasting book. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW- Wine Buyer

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is one of the most renowned estates of the Southern Rhône, with around 45 hectares of vines, and an average vine age of 55 years. Blessed with one of the finest locations in the area, the particularly hot microclimate is such that the Bruniers, owners of the estate for almost a century, are able to harvest as much as a week ahead of their neighbours. Vieux Télégraphe's blend is a typical one, with Grenache accounting for around two thirds, while the rest is made up of Syrah and Mourvèdre in roughly equal proportions, plus a tiny bit of Cinsault. The Bruniers also run a radically different property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, named Piedlong, and a very attractive property in the hills of Gigondas, Domaine les Pallières.

Farmed on soils which are both sandy and pebbly,
Piedlong is a poised and complex wine. With more
than 80 percent Grenache providing a heady
imprimatur of sweet fruit and a balance of Syrah
and Mourvèdre adding structure and a savoury note,
this is richly textured with a silky tannic backdrop
and an engagingly sweet and rounded finish. Drink
2020-2024.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer