A dark and beautiful red pushing on purple. After a 2-3 hour pour, the nose is of plums and spices and sweetness. The wine is drinking well now, wonderfully smooth with velvet tannins and medium acidity. Served at ~65 the wine blossoms and any heat moderated. I taste dark berries and some flowing earthy tones. It might get somewhat better, but no need to wait.
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Three hour decant, a wonderful nose filled with cherry notes and interesting scrub/forest floor odors. The palate was on point balanced, with a richness that brought it up to the next level.
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A restaurant buy. Very deep colour and a good nose with plenty of fruit and spice. The palate showed dark berry fruit initially but dark plum and damson flavours emerged as the wine opened. Deep, soft, but persistent tannins. Very good with food. A touch of pepper and my wife got some raspberry later. Long, complex, and with very good balance.
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Deep ruby colour. Nose of blackberry and thyme. Smooth and tannic with a lengthy finish. A hint of blue fruit also. The more I drink it, the more I like it.
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Reticent on opening, it soon developed a typical Southern Rhone aroma of raspberry and pepper. Full bodied and long. It is drinking well now but probably not for long keeping
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Bought this based on favourable reviews for a great CdP vintage but this was rather jammy with too much alcohol on the finish. Surprisingly light without much structure behind the fruit. Reminded me of a 2018 Burgundy actually.
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Decanted- some granular sediment that separates out quickly. Deep dark red color, hint of purple. Fruity nose, some floral notes. After an hour in the decanter, it improves, but only slightly. Very much a "New World" profile. Floral complexity is absent
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This would be in our regular weeknight rotation if the tariff were a bit lower. Hits all the right buttons, from its barnyard, mushroom and crushed boysenberry nose to its wonderfully textured palate and its food-friendly finish. From an excellent vintage, this CdP probably won’t make old bones. But it’s sure lovely right now. Drink now to 2025. Outstanding, especially for its price point.
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Ruby, brick, lightening on rim. Stylish nose, both loamy and fragrant spicy alcohol clouds. Rich soft aged fruit on the palate, lovely mouth full. Iconic Rhone rough velvet on the tongue. So well balanced soft earth on the floor, fruit pudding mid palate, spicy in the alto range, a touch of heat.
I agree with comments that this is not typical Vieux nor CDP. New style. You may find it more enjoyable or less than what you expect.
It certainly will not age like the 1978 vintage or many other great CNPs. In fairness, how many are aging wines for 30+ years today? Drink and be Merry for tomorrow, you will have a new great vintage.
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A great entry-level wine from Vieux Telegraphe and one that promises another decade or so of enjoyment. Ruby red with a rustic barnyard nose and rosemary, bay leaf and raspberry on the palate. A slightly gritty finish. Throwing off lots of sediment; so would be worthwhile to decant through a filter. From a great vintage. Drink now to 2030. Outstanding for its price point.
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Medium-to-dark ruby color turning orange rust at the rim with a reflective edge. Smoky notes of red fruits, black tea, soy bean and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is medium-plus with fleshy tannins and lifting acidity that form the backbone and balances out the ripe red cherry and cranberry fruits with secondary flavors of vanilla and dark chocolate. Finishes long enough with dusty dried herbs and a hint of spice. This is so well-made. Excellent for a second wine. Drink now with a 20-minute decant until 2031. 92+
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Classic CDP hits all the right notes. Drinking beautifully right now. Heaven with the duck confit at Le Bistro at Lake Tahoe on a snowy night. So good, we had three bottles.
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A recommendation from Patrick at Nielsen’s Market, and spot on with the beef bourginon (sp?) at our favorite Carmel bistro. Decanted for 30 minutes, which loosened the hinges and produced a wine that punches way above its weight. Ruby black in the glass with a black fruit compote and herb bouquet. Lots of tea leaf, blackberry and black plum on the palate and a zesty finish. As an entry-level for Vieux Telegraphe, this is a beautifully constructed wine. Won’t make old bones. Drink now to 2025. Outstanding.
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Enjoyed over two nights on Grand Cayman. Berries and spices on the nose, intense red berries, nice acid and lots of spicy pepper on the finish. This was great with pan seared tenderloin on day 1, and held up well overnight (slightly more acid, less red fruit) on day 2 with pan seared lamb with herbs, followed by sea trout. Overall a delicious young wine, constructed for early enjoyment it seems!
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Drinking well, Jami and nice. Not much sophistication or acid. A good cocktail wine may not have enough stuff to stand up to a red meat dinner. Would definitely get it again.
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Grenache dominant (80%) CdP. Rather light and zesty, especially for a CdP, made to be drunk sooner rather than later. Very well made with an interestiong spiciness. Not typical, certainly, of a classical CdP, but none the worse for that. A nice wine in its own right.
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By the glass. Modern to the bone. Without acidity nor palate length. Plums and cherries on the nose. Just boring at its best. Remember that without a telegraph there is no telegram.
Por copas. Moderno hasta la médula. Sin acidez ni longitud al paladar. Ciruelas y cerezas en nariz. Si acaso aburrido en su mejor momento. Recordemos que sin telégrafo no hay telegrama.
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Black fruit and spice up front, herb spice and pepper driven core with good tannin and an overall liveliness and long finish. Mixed feeling about this one, I like this wine a lot, just not so much at $48...
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Châteauneuf imposant extrêmement confituré et aux tannins encore envahissants. Les prunes, dans un vin riche et concentré, sont adoubées d'herbes et d'épices.
Superbe avenir, attendre jusqu'à 2025 au moins.
(***1/2)
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The Wine Club Tour de France (San Francisco): Deep color. Strong garrigue. Chewy dark fruit with excellent ripeness followed by a good shot of tannin. Impressive at this second wine level. It makes quite a strong partner for the Vieux Telegraphe La Crau. Hold for at least 5 years.
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Very fragrant and juicy on the nose. Expressive Grenache fruit and perfumed floral notes. Slippery red fruits on entry, lovely purity. Gentle, gritty tannins. Long finish. Very drinkable now, but I am sure the balance of acid and fruit in this implies a long drinking future.
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11/28/2023 - cwjames Likes this wine: 90 Points
No proper note but it is still drinking very well. Probably best drunk soonish, though
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9/24/2023 - Bottle Dog Likes this wine: 92 Points
A dark and beautiful red pushing on purple. After a 2-3 hour pour, the nose is of plums and spices and sweetness. The wine is drinking well now, wonderfully smooth with velvet tannins and medium acidity. Served at ~65 the wine blossoms and any heat moderated. I taste dark berries and some flowing earthy tones. It might get somewhat better, but no need to wait.
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8/2/2023 - quaffnov Likes this wine: 93 Points
Three hour decant, a wonderful nose filled with cherry notes and interesting scrub/forest floor odors. The palate was on point balanced, with a richness that brought it up to the next level.
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7/28/2023 - no leashes wrote: 91 Points
drinking beautifully, with classic southern rhone flavors. Good one to try while waiting for other Chateauneufs to evolve.
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2/14/2023 - Nati Winos Likes this wine:
Very nice. Light, semi sweet red fruits, a touch of must or dirt. Great with salmon and continues after dinner.
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3/23/2022 - johnrm Likes this wine: 91 Points
A restaurant buy. Very deep colour and a good nose with plenty of fruit and spice. The palate showed dark berry fruit initially but dark plum and damson flavours emerged as the wine opened. Deep, soft, but persistent tannins. Very good with food. A touch of pepper and my wife got some raspberry later. Long, complex, and with very good balance.
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3/5/2022 - snarfglk Likes this wine: 90 Points
solid 90+
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1/22/2022 - JCherniak Likes this wine: 94 Points
Deep ruby colour. Nose of blackberry and thyme. Smooth and tannic with a lengthy finish. A hint of blue fruit also. The more I drink it, the more I like it.
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1/20/2022 - snarfglk Likes this wine: 90 Points
nice 90 pointer
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11/14/2021 - cwjames Likes this wine: 90 Points
Reticent on opening, it soon developed a typical Southern Rhone aroma of raspberry and pepper. Full bodied and long. It is drinking well now but probably not for long keeping
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10/14/2021 - melvinyeowq wrote:
Bought this based on favourable reviews for a great CdP vintage but this was rather jammy with too much alcohol on the finish. Surprisingly light without much structure behind the fruit. Reminded me of a 2018 Burgundy actually.
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5/1/2021 - snarfglk Likes this wine: 90 Points
solid 90 over 2 days with little variation. real nice
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4/28/2021 - BallyJames Likes this wine: 91 Points
This bottle required two days of air and the the fruit came thru in a very nice way, full bodied with nice concentration.
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1/29/2021 - Salute Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decanted- some granular sediment that separates out quickly.
Deep dark red color, hint of purple.
Fruity nose, some floral notes.
After an hour in the decanter, it improves, but only slightly.
Very much a "New World" profile. Floral complexity is absent
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12/28/2020 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
This would be in our regular weeknight rotation if the tariff were a bit lower. Hits all the right buttons, from its barnyard, mushroom and crushed boysenberry nose to its wonderfully textured palate and its food-friendly finish. From an excellent vintage, this CdP probably won’t make old bones. But it’s sure lovely right now. Drink now to 2025. Outstanding, especially for its price point.
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11/22/2020 - snarfglk Likes this wine: 90 Points
90+
lots of sediment; good wine at start but faded
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10/24/2020 - xyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ruby, brick, lightening on rim. Stylish nose, both loamy and fragrant spicy alcohol clouds. Rich soft aged fruit on the palate, lovely mouth full. Iconic Rhone rough velvet on the tongue. So well balanced soft earth on the floor, fruit pudding mid palate, spicy in the alto range, a touch of heat.
I agree with comments that this is not typical Vieux nor CDP. New style. You may find it more enjoyable or less than what you expect.
It certainly will not age like the 1978 vintage or many other great CNPs.
In fairness, how many are aging wines for 30+ years today? Drink and be Merry for tomorrow, you will have a new great vintage.
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10/1/2020 - KimberJ Likes this wine: 91 Points
Juicy Tanic and interesting. Costco
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8/16/2020 - OT Likes this wine: 90 Points
VT classic, high standard. Rich and intense. Drink now, and next 3-5 years. Decant app. one hour. Dominant grenache as we like it. Enjoy - OT
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8/14/2020 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
A great entry-level wine from Vieux Telegraphe and one that promises another decade or so of enjoyment. Ruby red with a rustic barnyard nose and rosemary, bay leaf and raspberry on the palate. A slightly gritty finish. Throwing off lots of sediment; so would be worthwhile to decant through a filter. From a great vintage. Drink now to 2030. Outstanding for its price point.
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8/12/2020 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 92 Points
Medium-to-dark ruby color turning orange rust at the rim with a reflective edge. Smoky notes of red fruits, black tea, soy bean and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is medium-plus with fleshy tannins and lifting acidity that form the backbone and balances out the ripe red cherry and cranberry fruits with secondary flavors of vanilla and dark chocolate. Finishes long enough with dusty dried herbs and a hint of spice. This is so well-made. Excellent for a second wine. Drink now with a 20-minute decant until 2031. 92+
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4/3/2020 - gjetson Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic CDP hits all the right notes. Drinking beautifully right now. Heaven with the duck confit at Le Bistro at Lake Tahoe on a snowy night. So good, we had three bottles.
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3/21/2020 - peeno wrote: 91 Points
Spicy dark fruits.
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2/21/2020 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
A recommendation from Patrick at Nielsen’s Market, and spot on with the beef bourginon (sp?) at our favorite Carmel bistro. Decanted for 30 minutes, which loosened the hinges and produced a wine that punches way above its weight. Ruby black in the glass with a black fruit compote and herb bouquet. Lots of tea leaf, blackberry and black plum on the palate and a zesty finish. As an entry-level for Vieux Telegraphe, this is a beautifully constructed wine. Won’t make old bones. Drink now to 2025. Outstanding.
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1/22/2020 - skurtz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Enjoyed over two nights on Grand Cayman. Berries and spices on the nose, intense red berries, nice acid and lots of spicy pepper on the finish. This was great with pan seared tenderloin on day 1, and held up well overnight (slightly more acid, less red fruit) on day 2 with pan seared lamb with herbs, followed by sea trout. Overall a delicious young wine, constructed for early enjoyment it seems!
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12/22/2019 - Blcmdpa@gmail.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking well, Jami and nice. Not much sophistication or acid. A good cocktail wine may not have enough stuff to stand up to a red meat dinner. Would definitely get it again.
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12/8/2019 - longpvo Likes this wine: 92 Points
distinctive savory herbal garrigue nose up front, very well balanced on the palate. early drinker, might loosen up a tad in a year.
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11/22/2019 - Orlandus wrote: 92 Points
Grenache dominant (80%) CdP. Rather light and zesty, especially for a CdP, made to be drunk sooner rather than later. Very well made with an interestiong spiciness. Not typical, certainly, of a classical CdP, but none the worse for that. A nice wine in its own right.
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9/29/2019 - Harley1199 wrote:
By the glass. Modern to the bone. Without acidity nor palate length. Plums and cherries on the nose. Just boring at its best. Remember that without a telegraph there is no telegram.
Por copas. Moderno hasta la médula. Sin acidez ni longitud al paladar. Ciruelas y cerezas en nariz. Si acaso aburrido en su mejor momento. Recordemos que sin telégrafo no hay telegrama.
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8/30/2019 - oropeza Likes this wine:
Black fruit and spice up front, herb spice and pepper driven core with good tannin and an overall liveliness and long finish. Mixed feeling about this one, I like this wine a lot, just not so much at $48...
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8/9/2019 - Nedjenny Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice balance. Light
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7/26/2019 - bourgogre Likes this wine:
Rubis/noir.
Nez boisé et épicé.
Châteauneuf imposant extrêmement confituré et aux tannins encore envahissants.
Les prunes, dans un vin riche et concentré, sont adoubées d'herbes et d'épices.
Superbe avenir, attendre jusqu'à 2025 au moins.
(***1/2)
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7/25/2019 - drwine2001 wrote:
The Wine Club Tour de France (San Francisco): Deep color. Strong garrigue. Chewy dark fruit with excellent ripeness followed by a good shot of tannin. Impressive at this second wine level. It makes quite a strong partner for the Vieux Telegraphe La Crau. Hold for at least 5 years.
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3/30/2019 - richard.presser Likes this wine:
2016 Southern Rhone Tasting (PWS South Melbourne): Some S on the nose, but will dissipate.
Medium weight. Should develop nicely.
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1/24/2019 - sjw_11 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very fragrant and juicy on the nose. Expressive Grenache fruit and perfumed floral notes. Slippery red fruits on entry, lovely purity. Gentle, gritty tannins. Long finish. Very drinkable now, but I am sure the balance of acid and fruit in this implies a long drinking future.
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