Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2000 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.

Ruby red in color. 14% ABV. Spellbinding nose of red fruits, Herbes de Provence, garrigue and wet, warm asphalt. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rustic, old school CdP at its best. Kirsch, blood, licorice and a hint of pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with pronounced tannins. Fantastic wine with more than enough fruit to keep the tannins in check. If I had more bottles I would drink over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 95 points.

Recent vintages of this wine can generally be found for $85. Look for the 2016. Hard to go wrong here.

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