1978 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is the oldest vintage that I have tasted. It has a fresh and enticing bouquet, dark berry fruit, black truffles, thyme and autumn bonfire smoke, a touch of brettanomyces lending a feral element, yet never occluding the terroir expression or fruit, just “dancing with it”. The palate is very well balanced and defined with a wonderful line of acidity, perhaps nowadays a tad meaty with age, yet it opens and clarifies in the glass, its hung game/saddle leather note becoming more pronounced. Superb! (NM)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Served blind alongside a bottle of Penfolds Grange 1978 completely annihilated by TCA. No wonder the Aussies have taken to screwcaps... This southern Rhône blend was in great shape. Intensely spicy and even a bit minty with masses of rich fruit and juiciness still. No sign of the excess dry tannins that can plague some Châteauneufs. Almost as impressive as at the dinner in 2000 described here . (JR)
Fabulously fresh and bright with cherry and cedar and dried mushrooms, with hints of minerals on the nose and palate. Full and chewy with a beautiful balance of acidity. Long and intense.
This was a stunning bottle. Very very dark crimson. Sleek and polished and sweet and spicy. Wonderfully flattering texture and fully evolved enveloping bouquet. Just gorgeous. Very long. Great wine that survived in an open decanter for 24 hours (until I finished it). (JR)
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Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry