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.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Breathtaking nose of red fruits, blood, garrigue and roasted herbs. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. The concentration and power is impressive. Kirsch, anise, iron and cherries on the palate. The finish is long with copious, drying tannins. Vieux Telegraphe is a firmly traditional producer and 04 was an overlooked, but traditional, vintage. The combination is just an exceptional CdP that is showing incredibly well at 16 years of age. I’ll drink my last bottle at the 20 year mark.
My rating: 95 points.
Recent vintages of this wine can generally be found for $75. Look for the 2016. Hard to go wrong here.