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1998 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

February 4, 2024 - $91

Estimate

RATINGS

94Wine Enthusiast

Very complex, this is a major-league red with a tight but deep nose of black fruits, spice, and tar. The deep yet closed fruit on the palate is accented by pronounced clove, tarragon and anise notes. Beautifully structured...

93Robert M. Parker Jr.

...full-bodied, muscular 1998 with high extract and tannin, as well as a formidably endowed personality. I thought it would be more accessible based on its performance last year. It can be drunk now, but ideally it needs 4-5 more years...

93Wine Spectator

...wonderful balance is evident as this young Rhône red reveals its mineral, wet earth, delicate plum, mocha, coffee and blackberry character and subtle, ripe tannins. The wet earth and mineral really shine through on the lingering finish.

90Stephen Tanzer

Good full medium ruby. Complex nose combines black fruits, nuts and flowers; strong peppery, vegetal suggestion of young syrah.

17Jancis Robinson

REGION

France, Rhône Valley, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.