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Traditionally dominated by clairette (45%) and grenache blanc (30%), then roussanne and bourboulenc. The vines average 50+ years and there’s a very restrained nose with dialed-back white-pear and chalk aromas with dried flowers, too. The palate has a super fresh, zippy feel and a long, juicy and attractive core of fresh, salty minerals. The balance is innate and very fluid. Drink or hold.
James Suckling, 96 points.
Vieux Telegraphe CDP 17
750ml, Reg: $81.99
One could assume divine provenance due to its papal history, it is actually the river rocks that comprise the “soil” of the vineyards. Known in France as galets, the Brits refer to them as “ Pudding Stones”. These large cousins to our pet rocks play an important part in the vineyard as a sort of heat sink absorbing the sun’s rays during the day and radiating the heat back to the vines at night. This allows for a greater level of grape ripeness and richer wines than would be possible without this little assist from Mother Nature. Go Rocks!!!
Some great wines from this rockyard:
TRY THESE INCREDIBLE WINES…
Youthfully reticent, but warm and polished in feel, with a large core of cassis, raspberry and cherry puree notes lying in wait for now. Threads of red licorice, warm stone and singed mesquite and cedar emerge steadily through the lengthy finish as the fruit unwinds slowly. Concentrated yet precise. Sock this away in the cellar. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise.
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
750ml, Reg $89.99
A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Counoise and 15% Syrah. The grapes are usually fully destemmed. The terroir is sand, rocks and stone soils. The wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks and are aged in used, French oak barrels for between 12-14 months. The production is slightly less than 6,000 cases per vintage.
Paul Autard CDP La Cote Ronde 750ml, Reg. $49.99
