Domaine Du Vieux Telegraphe - Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2020 (750ml)

  

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94

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95

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97

Price: $109.99

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Producer	Domaine Du Vieux Telegraphe
Country	France
Region	Rhone Valley
Varietal	Rhone Blend
Vintage	2020
Sku	210000001333
Size	750ml

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2020

#7 Wine on Wine Spectators Top 100 List 2024

In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, there’s one vineyard that stands above the rest: the plateau of La Crau, covered in round stones (galets roulés). Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is the largest landowner in this coveted lieu-dit. Named for the signal tower that was used in the 18th century to telegraph messages, Vieux Télé (as it’s affectionately known) has been run by the Brunier family for six generations. Many Châteauneufs are blockbusters in power and alcohol, but the Brunier style is famously elegant and savory. Sourced from 60- to 110-year-old vines, the flagship 2020 red offers charming, old-school appeal, impressive depth and a long life ahead.

This amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness in spite of coming from a very warm and dry vintage. The stony minerality, saltiness and dried flower character wind together to form a dynamic whole, driving this gracefully across the palate. But I must also mention the savory and licorice richness that is so deftly wrapped around them. Very long, salty and velvety finish.

Tasted as a tank sample of the final blend, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties, with about 30% whole bunches used in the ferments. Marked by ripe cherries and hints of complex garrigue notes on the nose, it's full-bodied but also really elegant, with fine-grained, silky tannins, ample concentration and a long, surprisingly crisp finish.

This shows a lot of aromatic appeal, with dusty earth and singed incense notes covering a well of fresh cherry and red currant flavors. A gutsy, grippy style on the palate, with a cast-iron spine bringing firm shape and underlying power. Slightly old-school, this still needs time to unfurl. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2025 through 2035. 2,500 cases imported.