Rhône theme
Online-Only Auction, 14 - 21 February 2022
Rhône theme
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
The most famous of southern Rhône wine regions, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the estate of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe are inexorably linked. The Brunier family has a deep connection to the famed plateau of La Crau, going back over one hundred years. For many, La Crau is of grand cru status and Vieux Télégraphe honours this hallowed ground by consistently encapsulating the terroir in its wines, which are classic in style and demonstrate wonderful concentration, rusticity and tremendous ageing potential. From their first vintage in 1900 by founder Hippolyte Brunier, their wines have evolved over time, gaining in balance and refinement. The estate has also grown in that time, now with 65 hectares of vineyard under the ownership and care of Hippolyte’s great-grandsons, Daniel and Frédéric. Named after an old radio signal tower, their name translates to “old telegraph.”
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘The 2007 Vieux Télégraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provençal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier.’ - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 96+/100 (Oct 2009)
‘Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone–filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2030.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Dec 2009)