Domaine Vieux Télégraphe is one of the most renowned estates of the Southern Rhône. Approximately 45 hectares of red grapevines are planted, with an average age of around 55 years. Blessed with one of the finest locations in the area, the particularly hot microclimate is such that the Bruniers, owners of the estate for almost a century, are able to harvest as much as a week ahead of their neighbours.
2018 was not a very easy year for the vignerons of Chateauneuf-du-Pape; a warm, wet spring and early summer brought on a substantial amount of mildew which resulted in a huge loss and in some cases total loss of crop across the Southern Rhone. When the summer finally arrived in late July conditions were warm and dry throughout and the grapes were harvested perfectly ripe, with superb concentration.
Production throughout of Vieux Telegraphe La Crau was down by some 30%.
Vieux Télégraphe’s blend is a typical one, with Grenache accounting for around two thirds, the rest being made up of Syrah and Mourvèdre in roughly equal proportions, and a tiny bit of Cinsault.
2018 Vieux Telegraphe is beautifully elegant, and fans of a more classically ethereal Chateauneuf-du-Pape will love this release. The tannins are fine grained and perfectly integrated.
