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. 14.5% ABV. Super nose of dried red fruits, herbes de Provence, garrigue and asphalt. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Concentrated and powerful. Cherries, kirsch, blood and cracked black pepper on the palate. Incredible length on the finish. Classic, traditional CdP from an overlooked vintage that is aging brilliantly. I’ll check in on my last bottle in 5 years when the wine is 20 years old.
My rating: 94 points.
Recent vintages of this wine can generally be found for $85. Look for the 2018. Hard to go wrong here.