Description
The 2004 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau", from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a classic vintage from this esteemed Southern Rhône producer. The 2004 vintage, while not as powerful as some other years, is widely regarded for producing elegant, balanced wines with good aging potential and a focus on purity and finesse.
Vintage Overview
2004 Rhône Vintage: The vintage experienced a warm growing season with occasional rainfall, resulting in wines with moderate ripeness, vibrant acidity, and polished tannins. Southern Rhône wines from 2004 are often praised for their balance and traditional style, with an emphasis on elegance over sheer power.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2004: Wines from this year typically display bright fruit, aromatic complexity, and the ability to age gracefully.
Tasting Profile of 2004 Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau"
Appearance: Deep garnet with slight bricking at the rim, characteristic of a mature wine.
Aromas: An aromatic bouquet featuring red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry, cranberry), dried herbs (garrigue: thyme, rosemary, lavender), and savory notes of black olive and leather. Secondary and tertiary aromas of truffle, tobacco, and earthy minerality are likely prominent by now.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. Flavors of ripe red fruits, licorice, and spices dominate, supported by a savory undertone of dried herbs, olive tapenade, and forest floor. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of dried fruit and minerality.
Aging Potential: By 2025, this wine is likely at or near its peak, displaying mature characteristics with softened tannins and fully integrated flavors. It’s a great time to enjoy this wine, as it will offer a beautiful expression of aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Meat Pairings: Roasted lamb with rosemary, duck confit, or braised beef with vegetables.
Vegetarian Pairings: Mushroom risotto, roasted eggplant with herbes de Provence, or a hearty vegetable cassoulet.
Cheese Pairing: Aged cheeses such as Gruyère, Tomme de Savoie, or a creamy Brie.
Decanting: Decant for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the wine open up and reveal its layered complexity. Be careful to avoid disturbing sediment in the bottle.
The 2004 Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" is a refined, classic expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, showcasing the terroir of La Crau and the elegance of the vintage. It is an ideal wine for pairing with traditional French cuisine or savoring on its own during a special occasion.
Reviews
Also classic and aging gracefully, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape is a medium to full-bodied, rich and mouth-filling effort, especially in the vintage. Kirsch, blackberry, garrigue, nori (seaweed/sushi wrapper which I seem to always find in this wine) and ample crushed-rock notes all round out the bouquet and on the palate, it’s nicely concentrated, with fine tannin and integrated acidity. It can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade. Feb 2014, www.robertparker.com
Score: 93-/100Jeb Dunnuck