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. —K.B.

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.(JC)

Another Burgundy styled beauty, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Piedlong reveals a light ruby hue as well as a great nose of sweet strawberries, sappy spring flowers, raspberries, and spice. It's very elegant, medium-bodied, has fine tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. Unfortunately, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe saw most of their old vines wiped out due to the devastating hailstorm and tornado on August 14th, forcing them to harvest what they could shortly thereafter. As such, they opted to not produce their Grand Vin and blended everything (red and white varieties) into their Télégramme cuvee.