Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape (75cl, 14.5%)

Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a southern Rhone red from Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, grown on the La Crau plateau. The blend is 65% Grenache with Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette and other permitted varieties. Fermentation lasts 25 to 40 days in stainless steel and wooden vats, followed by 20 to 22 months in French oak barrels; it is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The nose shows sun-warmed stones, garrigue, dark cherries, black olives, licorice and dried flowers. The palate is medium to full-bodied with dark berry fruit, savory licorice, stony minerality and velvety tannins. The finish is long, with salty minerality and warm stone.