A Classic Chateauneuf that rocks now!

By Kerry Winslow

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2000 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateaunef-duPape Rouge, Rhone Valley, France.
This wonderful and near perfect Chateauneuf is really getting good into it’s second decade and while it has a long life ahead, it is certainly ready to enjoy now. This wine from magnum was dark, earthy, spiced laced and brooding when first opened, but after a about 20 minutes in decanter it expanded and took on an elegant presence that stayed until the last drop was finished, which sadly had to happen, leaving me spellbound and wanting more. The nose is classic VT and has lavender, gamey meat, leather and dusty pepper to go with red fruits and truffle notes before an almost Burgundy like palate with baked cherry, plum, boysenberry and strawberry fruits cascading in silky layers. The baked earth, red spice, pepper and fennel add to the mix in the background and the finish is dry and balanced with lingering cassis and rose petal. This sexy Vieux Telegraphe is everything you’d want and more from a great wine and has years of enjoyment to give!
($200 Est. Magnum 1.5L) 96+ Points, grapelive

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