2019 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Chateauneuf-du-Pape 750 ml

There is no piece of land in Châteauneuf-du-Pape more famous than the lieu-dit of La Crau, where 60-year-old vines push through layers of round, heavy galets roulés to reach the red clay molasse beneath. This is where the legendary Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe begins, and where it has been tended by the Brunier family since 1891.

The 2019 Vieux Télégraphe,  from a stellar vintage, is another classic from this famed terroir, and it boasts some outstanding critical acclaim. That includes 97 points from James Suckling, who praised it as a “masterpiece of elegance.” Wine Advocate rated it 96 points, Decanter gave it a 4.5 out of five, and Wine Spectator simply called it “gorgeous.”

We are always excited to taste the incomparable Vieux Télégraphe, and this one is showing beautifully. In fact, opening a young bottle, giving it some air, and tasting it throughout the day is like watching an accelerated, graceful evolution. With classic garrigue aromas, flavors of red berries and licorice, and a velvety-smooth body, it begs to be savored. Wonderfully expressive now, this stunner is also sure to deliver plenty of excitement over the next decade-plus.

Vieux Télégraphe shows how Châteauneuf can pack as much power as any other wine in France without sacrificing an iota of complexity, minerality, or intrigue. The ‘19 is yet another bottle that shows that this venerable domaine belongs at the top of the French-wine food chain, along with First Growth Bordeaux and Grand Cru Burgundy.