Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2017

One of the Rhône's great estates, Vieux Telegraphe is run by Fredec and Daniel Brunier, the great-grandsons of founder, Hippolyte Brunier. The domaine occupies some 70 hectares on the stony plateau of Le Crau in the east of the Châteauneufdu- Pape appellation. The wines of Vieux Telegraphe are true classics - robust and earthy with strong personalities and a great track record of longevity in the cellar. 

The stony Plateau de la Crau, in the south-east of the appellation, where the villages of Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Courthézon meet. Grapes for this wine are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, then a third sorting in the winery. Gentle pressing and selective destemming, followed by 25-40 days’ traditional fermentation in temperature–controlled stainless-steel and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation. The wine spends 20-22 months in French oak foudres (60hl). Bottled unfined and unfiltered, then released at 2 years.

Immediately a sense of darker fruit in this vintage. The nose has closed up a little since tasting in barrel. It has some reserved, sanguine notes and an essence-like, raspberry core. Some stones and chalk here, too. Very long and focused palate. The grenache is singing here. Dense but soft and supple tannins, the product of thick, healthy skins. Best from 2025. - James Suckling, 96 Points  

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette
Country - France
Region - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%