Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhone Valley, was founded in 1898 by Hippolyte Brunier. Located on the highest terrace of the appellation, the domaine was named for an 18th century telegraph relay tower located nearby. Today the 173-acre domaine is run by Daniel and Frederic Brunier, the great grandsons of the founder. Vieux Télégraphe is one of the appellation’s most admired estates. The vineyards are planted to 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault and other grapes.
Light crimson in color with some bricking at the edge of the glass. 14.5% ABV. The nose is scintillating with aromas of red fruit, leather, garrigue and herbes de Provence. Medium body with perfect acidity. Rustic, old school CdP. Concentrated and powerful. Kirsch, tea, dried cherries and white pepper on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with substantial tannins. Super Chateauneuf-du-Pape from an overlooked vintage. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
I previously wrote about Vieux Télégraphe in 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape: My Recommendations. Recent vintages of this wine can generally be had found for $60-$75. Hard to wrong here.
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