Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

1999 Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes

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 red in color. Almost translucent. 14% ABV. Textbook nose of dried red fruits, leather, road tar and anise. Medium body with ample acidity. Elegant and rustic with a certain old school charm. Cherries, kirsch, plums, tobacco and herbs on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. For me this falls into the drink them if you have them category. While other vintages like the ’98 and ’01 may have a longer life ahead of them this wine will be best over the next year or so.

My rating: 92 points.

I previously wrote about Vieux Télégraphe in 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape: My Recommendations. Recent vintages of this wine can generally be found for $60-$75. Look for the 2016. Hard to go wrong here.

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