For 'lovers of elegant, classical Châteauneuf du Pape', you can't go wrong with with the iconic Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in the eyes of Rhône specialist Jeb Dunnuck.

One of the 'old-guard estates' of this historic appellation, they continue to make a 'classic, ageworthy, and uncompromising style' (JD) of wine that is lauded by fine wine critics everywhere.

Winemaker and owner Daniel Brunier believes the Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 is one of his best vintages ever. The Wine Advocate concurs stating it is 'undoubtedly one of the top vintages of this wine'. Meanwhile, Jeb Dunnuck scores this as the best Vieux Télégraphe in history, ahead of the now legendary 2010 and 2007 vintages.

Scoring 98 points from James Suckling, 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck and double 96 points from the Wine Advocate and Decanter, this is quality far above its humble price-point of just £40 per bottle IB. It is this level of value for money from estates like Vieux Télégraphe that have made the fine wine world fall in love with the Southern Rhône.

A 'classic Vieux Télégraphe all the way' (JD), the 2016 vintage has 'resounding finesse and equilibrium' (JS) showing the full potential of the famed, high and stony La Crau plateau. With a gorgeous, classic bouquet of black raspberries, currants, violets, salty mineralityand licorice, this is full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant and with fine tannins that all culminate in a massive finish 'without ever seeming heavy or overripe' (WA). While it 'has the balance to drink now' in the eyes of Jeb Dunnuck, it is best to give this a couple more years in bottle and it will drink beautifully through to 2043.

Offered today at only £240 per case IB, wines of similar quality and prestige from the likes of Burgundy and Bordeaux, or even new World regions like the Napa Valley, would be at least double the price, at the very least, so we have no doubt when we call the Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 a great value buy.