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. Stunning nose of bright red fruits, blood, licorice and cracked black pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Powerful and concentrated with gorgeous upfront fruit. Strawberry, kirsch, raspberry and herbes de Provence of the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with silky tannins. The purity of the fruit on the wine is notable. Showing so well right now but the structure suggests this could cellar for another decade.
My rating: 96 points.
Recent vintages of this wine can generally be found for $75. Look for the 2016. Hard to go wrong here.