The first vintage I remember drinking of Vieux Telegraphe was 1988 and I still have bottles back to 1998 in the cellar. It’s heresy but I think I prefer them young to middle-aged these days; I enjoy them young the same way I enjoy Ridge Geyserville on release. If I can get to the box I think I’m gonna go pull a middle-aged 2010 to try. I started out buying Beaucastel, gravitated towards VT, in I hindsight wish i had bought Pegau, but now drink almost no CNDP 
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I’d also say now or 10 years from now.
I had this very wine last night. Christmas so didn’t take detailed notes, but It certainly got better with some air. Opened at ~4 for dinner at about 5:15 and got better as dinner went on. A bit harsh and hot at first but mellowed nicely.
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If this is a newer experience for you as far as price and quality, by all means pop it now! Make an evening out of it and do a roast duck breast or something that will make for a great memory