I have two bottles of the 2001 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau.” I would like to save them for a special occasion. Is there any rush to open them? Thanks for your advice.
Rush no, would it get any better - not likely, 2001 in general are drinking very well now.
Enjoy.
The rush is to put them underneath anything else you want to drink, until at least 2016. DO NOT open a great-vintage VT before it is 15, and preferably 18 (and yes, it is that nuanced at the 15-18 range, meaning after that range will probably be ready, within the range might be closed, but getting there). I cannot be more emphatic, or sure, about much of anything else than I am of this advice, despite not having had this vintage of VT.
Flame away, on that last clause, but I am speaking truth.
Great question, Jane (as your others have been, the best that I recall). Great way to work this community.
I love VT young and old, but some do close down. I haven’t had the 2001 but the 2000 has been shy for quite a few years now. You certainly don’t have to hurry: Even not-so-great vintages can age well for over 20 years. I had a beautiful 1986 about five years ago.
No.
My experiences with Vieux Telegraphe is that they demand patience. They do tend to shut down hard for long periods of time during their middle age. I had a 1988 that was drinking beautifully with loads of freshness last month. I would hold your bottles until 2021+.
No rush to open, but If you want to enjoy now you can. I opened one last June and slow ox’d it for 6 hours and it was fabulous.
I have yet to open a VT that I didn’t feel could age longer.
Had one not long ago that was still quite tight. Leaving them for several more years will be nothing but good.
Thanks all for your replies.
I haven’t had the 2001 yet, Jane, but a bottle of the '95 a couple of years ago was marvelous and seemed still on the upslope.