The summer of 2009 found us exploring the region of St Raphael in the South of France, discovering the wines in the area. Some interesting finds were, Le Rose and Le Blanc (made from the Ugri varietal) from Clos de Roses and one of the best from the area, the Bandol Rose.
We then drove to the Luberon region to spend time with friends in Gordes, one of the many charming medieval hilltop villages in the area.
On route, we explored the Châteauneuf-du-Pap region, which lies 3 kms to the east of the Rhone and 12 kms north of the town of Avignon. Almost all the cultivatable land is planted with grape vines. The commune is famous for the production of its rich, ruby-red wine, classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d’orginie controlle. What makes the vineyards unique is that they are kept warm at night by large pebbles that cover the ground, soaking up the sun’s warmth during the day and retaining it at night.
A bottle of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 was purchased, to enjoy at a later date.
That day had arrived, Freedom Day in South Africa (26 April 2018), and my Mom and I shared the bottle of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 bringing back the memories of nine years ago, to the Summer 2009.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006
Vivid red, starting to show ageing brown hues.
Impressively complex, concentrated, with soft tannins, this classic styled wine has a bouquet of raspberry and dried cherries, with lots of sweet tapenade, licorice and crushed rocks.
Elegant wine, putting on a seductive show, finished smooth and very long.
Made from 65% Grenache, 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah and the balance Cinsaut.
