Vieux Telegraphe 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape "La Crau" Rouge 750ml

Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone—filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2030. 17,000 cases made. — JM

Score: 95 points -- Wine Spectator, Dec 2009

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Glass-staining ruby. Highly pungent bouquet offers black fruit compote, olive and floral qualities, along with a slightly high-toned quality that recedes with air. The palate-coating, deeply concentrated cassis and blackberry flavors display a slow-mounting spiciness. Pretty powerful for a wine from this estate, showing more heft and dark fruit character than usual. The finish is broad, velvety and impressively persistent. Long-time fans of this property's usually elegant style might not be over the moon for this wine's virility.

Score: 93 points -- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, Jan 2010