2007 Vieux Telegraphe Telegramme Chateauneuf Du Pape
Saw this come in at a local retailer and with all the buzz on 07 in the Rhone, had to pick up a bottle. Pop and pour, took a taste and then let the wine sit for a few hours before pouring to pair with dinner. Simple burger and Tuscan white bean salad. Continued tasting through the wee hours as scroll through threads.
Nice red color. Nose has lots of minerals - crushed sea shells and bright raspberries. Raspberries and dried black cherries in the mouth. Approachable with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Fresh and lively. Has been evolving nicely over the few hours it has been open. Changing moods as it were.
My issue with Chateauneuf-du-Pape, in general, is that often the dried leather, manure, horse hair component dominates and pushes out of the room any semblance of fruit. All the positive spin on the 07 vintage and my good experiences with several pedestrian Cotes du Rhones from 2007 have left me open to experiment with the Rhone a bit more. Hence, the spot purchase. (To give you a sense of my taste buds I was in the shop picking up a bottle of Turley Juvenile Zin for a weekend bbq.)
This wine has much character and depth and is quite enjoyable.
It is yummy.
Will need to be on the look out for its big sister when she arrives.