2019 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France (750ml)   

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is one of the most storied estates in France and is synonymous with Chateauneuf-du-Pape, having pretty much put the appellation on the wine map. The estate was founded in 1898 by Hippolyte Brunier, a humble farmer who started making wine from a small one-hectare vineyard of his farm on the elevated La Crau plateau, one of the highest points in the region. Years of legendary Grenache based Chateauneuf-du-Pape vintage cuvées followed and Henri’s sons, Daniel and Frederic, eventually took over the business when Henri retired in 1988.

This classic cuvee is a delicious, complex blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% (Cinsault, Clairette, et al, meaning any one of the 13 different varietals allowed in Chateauneuf du Pape). It is a real testament to the incredible consistency and longevity of this special place in the Rhone Valley that vintage after vintage, the wine reveals the same characteristics. The Grenache shows prominently with that sweet tinge of red fruit and the Sryah adds the black pepper spice especially apparent on the finish. It always feels like an appropriate wine for the holidays when we want to enjoy the best with friends and family - yet why not enjoy this French gem any time of the year!