Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, a legendary producer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In the Brunier family since 1898 when Hippolyte Brunier purchased the property, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe lies on the eastern edge of Châteauneuf du Pape and covers 60 hectares of some of the finest terroir out there: the famed La Crau plateau. Today, the property is managed by the fourth generation of the Brunier family, brothers Daniel and Frédéric. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe owns and manages several vineyards within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with some of the vines dating back over a century. The famous La Crau plateau vineyard is known for its large, rounded stones that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, contributing to the unique ripening of the grapes. 

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe produces rich and complex red and white wines that reflect the unique character of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir. Their red wines are typically blends dominated by Grenache, with varying proportions of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other local grape varieties. These wines often exhibit flavors of dark fruits, spices, and herbs, with a firm structure and excellent aging potential. The estate has garnered widespread praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Their wines consistently receive high scores from publications such as Wine Advocate and Vinous, cementing their reputation as one of the finest producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Domaine Vieux Télégraphe practices traditional winemaking methods that respect the land and the environment. The estate's vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a focus on maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. After hand-harvesting the grapes, fermentation takes place in cement tanks, followed by an aging period of maturation between 20 and 22 months in French oak foudres, which allows the wine to develop slowly and integrate the oak influence without overpowering the fruit. This traditional approach helps maintain the purity of the terroir and the integrity of the grapes. Over the years, Domaine Vieux Télégraphe has become synonymous with Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is considered one of the region's benchmark producers. The estate's commitment to quality and tradition, combined with its meticulous viticultural practices and winemaking expertise, has earned it a very good reputation. 

In addition to their flagship wines under the Vieux Télégraphe label, the Brunier family also collaborates with Laurence Féraud, the owner of Domaine du Pegau, to produce a special cuvée called "Télégramme." This wine offers a more approachable and fruit-forward expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The 2018 Domaine Vieux Télégraphe is a superb representation of the estate’s signature style, blending power with finesse. The wine is made using the estate's traditional cepage grape variety such as Grenache noir (65%), Syrah (15%), Mourvèdre (15%), and a small percentage of Cinsault and Counoise (5%). The 2018 vintage offers a vivid, aromatic bouquet of black fruit, such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, alongside earthy, spicy notes of garrigue (the herbaceous, Mediterranean scrubland aroma that’s signature to the Southern Rhône), black pepper, and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a powerful yet refined structure. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, it’s a wine that embodies the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and offers a memorable drinking experience. 

"The flagship of this great estate is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape and it could quite possibly be one of the longest lived wines in the 2018 vintage, which in general, is a charming, forward vintage geared for consumption in the first decade of life. Revealing a more ruby, almost translucent color as well as a great perfume of wild strawberries, blackberries, Asian spices, peppery garrigue, and flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a building, undeniable sense of minerality, plenty of mid-palate depth, and enough tannins to warrant 2-3 years or bottle age. It has the more upfront, expressive style of the vintage yet my money is on this evolving for 15-20 years." - Jeb Dunnuck (10/06/2020), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2020-2040

''The final blend from tank of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Telegramme boasts delicate, floral aromas and hints of strawberries and raspberries. It's full-bodied but silky and tender, very charming, with decent length. I haven't been a huge fan of this cuvée in the past, but this is pretty darn good.'' - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, (08/30/2019), Ratings: 90-92, Drink: 2020-2027