TN: 2002 Telegramme Brunier, 2002 Las Rocas Garnacha

Telegramme: This is the 2002 cuvee from the producers of Dom. Vieux Telegraphe, a declbuttified one-off produced after the fall rains ruined most of the crop just before harvest.

Very light color, and I could swear that it looked pale at the rim, but that could have been a trick of the light caused by the thick glbuttes it was served in (I was at a friend's house). Very promising, structured nose indicating tannin and solid complexity with some fruit. Thinnish mouthfeel followed by a good but not great, medium finish, with a very red fruit-forward flavor. The tannins hinted at by the nose were nowhere to be seen, and it lacked the complexity I had hoped for. That being said, this was a pleasant enough wine, but its not a bargain priced Vieux Telegraphe. I'd buy it again at $18-$20, but not at $29.

2002 Las Rocas: This was the polar opposite of the Telegramme, which was consumed at the same time. Very dark ruby-purple in the glbutt, with a mbuttive fruit-plant of a nose, with only subtle hints of complexity. This wine is somewhat surprising once sipped, because in the mouth you are met with firm but not harsh tannins, dark fruit, and a great oaky complexity with a medium finish. The fruit is there, but it is much better balanced and complex than the nose would indicate. Quite a surprise. A steal at $8.99.

- Chris