2012 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Goedhuis, August 2018

  This is a top class Châteauneuf estate with a well-deserved reputation for long-lived wines. The 60-year-old vines on the stony plateau of La Crau consistently produce a smooth, garrigue scented Châteauneuf. The sweet, medicinal aromas of bottle-aged Grenache with its macerated strawberry and menthol freshness dominate the nose and follow onto the palate. Its rich fruit is accompanied by grainy tannins and the impressive structure of the wine gives it a long, lasting finish. Drinking well now.

• 

  Goedhuis, November 2013

  An exquisite wine from the Bruniers. This is balanced and harmonious with no signs of excess. The subtly rich fruit aided by gently grainy tannins creates a wine of harmony and finesse. A beautiful example of this fine vintage.

• 

  Wine Advocate, November 2013,
  Score: 93-95

  The top wine of the estate, the 2012 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape (which is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault and other grapes, from 65-year-old vines) is a classic example of the cuvee and possesses gorgeous aromatics (kirsch, garrigue, big minerality and background meatiness), medium to full-bodied richness and a firm, tannic spine. As is common, it will require a handful of years in the cellar to come around and have 15+ years of longevity. Drink 2016-2027.

More Tasting Notes Hide More Tasting Notes

Producer

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

This historic Châteauneuf estate has a well-deserved reputation for its long-lived wines. Belonging to the Brunier family, Vieux Télégraphe comes from a 65 hectare single plot lies on the plateau of La Crau, one of the highest points between the small towns of Châteauneuf du Pape, Bédarrides and Courthézon. The soil here is carpeted in the famous galets roulés, or pudding stones, which insulate the vines against both heat and cold, and aid drainage. The elevation means these vines are exposed to the extremes of the Mistral wind and the fierce sunshine. Not what you would call easy to farm; but the Brunier family have clung to this unruly terrain for over a century, and produce some of the appellation’s most traditional and classically styled Châteauneuf from vines with an average age over 60 years. With bottle age the wines develop leather, spice and dried fruit characters. Their estate in Gigondas, Les Pallières, produces excellent Grenache based blends from vines that are slightly younger than those at Vieux Télégraphe, but still average an impressive 40-50 years. The estate is half owned by legendary American wine merchant Kermit Lynch, a long-standing friend of the family and Southern Rhône enthusiast. The high altitude (250-400m) of this Gigondas parcel affords the wines noticeable freshness.