2015 Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Crau Rouge

A sunny year, but this isn't as deep in colour as some other recent vintages. Distinctly eucalyptus, fresh thyme, rosemary and liquorice. It's full-bodied but remarkably cooling and fresh on the palate. Long, with good fruit into the length and a little black tea on the finish. Rounded, spherically shaped. Remarkably good for the vintage, not excessive or overly alcoholic. Ready now, just starting to take on some interest, but the best is yet to come.

The lighter ruby colored 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes, as always, from the oldest vines of the estate on la Crau. It offers lots of kirsch and black raspberry notes, tons of salty minerality, medium to full-bodied richness and fine, fine tannin. Elegant and silky, with impressive balance, it's not the most concentrated wine from this first-rate estate, but it shines for its purity, finesse, and elegance.

The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape is a classic wine from this team that shows the elegance and purity that’s the hallmark of the estate. Crushed flowers, lots of salty minerality, black raspberries and spice flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered Châteauneuf du Pape that needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will drink nicely over the following 10-15 years.

Strong herbal nose. Very nicely balanced – nothing too strong. Classic and very open with slight lack of acid compensated for by light quinine finish. Not a long-term candidate but great beginning, middle and end for now. (JR)