The 2005 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape, this estate’s strongest vintage since 1998, has put on serious weight since last year. Dense ruby/purple-colored with an exquisite perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, ground pepper, and incense, this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated wine reveals fabulous purity as well as a finish that lasts over 45 seconds. Purchasers of this beauty will need patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. The Brunier brothers would like me to include all of their wines under one entity called Vignobles Brunier, but that has caused confusion among subscribers trying to find the reviews for Vieux Telegraphe, Domaine La Roquette, and Domaine Les Pallieres. So, with apologies to the Bruniers, I am returning to the old format.Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

Classic meat, earth, spice, musk and red plum aroma. Lots of flavour. Long. A showstopper.