Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2018

In the Brunier family since 1898 when Hippolyte Brunier purchased the property, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe 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 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 Spectator, Wine Advocate, and Vinous, cementing their reputation as one of the finest producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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 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 (10/6/2020), 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