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.
Dark red in color. 14% ABV. Stunning nose of red and black fruits, garrigue, iron and white pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Power, concentration and a sense of freshness you don’t often find in a 17 year old CdP. Black cherry, kirsch, olives and minerals on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with perceptible tannins. Brilliant CdP that is aging gloriously. Another stunner from the ’01 vintage. I have a single bottle left that I will open in 2021.
My rating: 95 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. Look for the 2016. Hard to go wrong here.