Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I purchased this one in futures, likely in spring of 06 & delivered in late 07 to Spring of 08. Parked in my storage since then.

As it was then, 2005 was a grand vintage as acclaimed by critics. So, that is when you buy some fringe producers. Buy 2nd Bordeaux wines from excellent producers to fringe regions/producers. More often than not, you’ll find really good value as is the case here. $20 on release I think.

Long coravined two separate glasses.

The nose shows a touch of v/a, but nothing offensive. Mostly…it is good old fashion Bordeaux funkiness. There is mushrooms, soft cedar, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum skin, black raspberries, poached strawberries, mid berry cola, anise to licorice, graphite, tobacco, sandalwood, steeped tea, forest florals that are dark and in a violet frame.

The palate shows no sign of being tired. The fruits still fresh, lush, round & ripe; brambly blackberries, blackberries, black plum skin, poached strawberries, raspberry hues, noticeable, moist, grey, volcanic clay, some chocolate pudding, (it is Saint Emilionish), mid berry cola/licorice, dry tobacco, lead pencil, volcanic ash, dry top soils/crushed limestone, dark spice with mid intensity, some black pepper notes, soft, even layered baking spices-clove, hints of nutmeg & cinnamon, understated vanillin, moist herb notes, dark, rich, earth w/ dry leaves, dark, fresh & withering flowers/red roses, rainfall acidity, balance for days, excellent tension-structure-length with en elegant, round finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on clay & gentle spice.

If stored as I have, will hold a few more yrs and last another 7-8 yrs. You could make a case for 92 here.

Now some history on a producer likely many have not heard of/embraced. From their site:

This Flemish wine merchant family invested since 1924 in the Pomerol vineyard of Vieux Château Certan and in 1920 with Troplong Mondot in Saint-Emilion (sold in 1935).

The following generation, in 1946, George and Monica Thienpont, coming from their natal Flanders, moved into Puygueraud, restored the XVth Century chateau. After a long pause in polyculture, undertook the reconstruction of the vineyard whereby the first vintage would see the day in 1983.

In 1981, Nicolas Thienpont, with his father, engaged in the transition between a production oriented viticulture to one of excellence. Since 1983, the first vintage year mark, this approach has continued.

Since 2009, Nicolas and his son Cyrille Thienpont, have worked hand-in-hand for the crafting of this wine that over the last 30 years has become the flagship of the Francs Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation and a veritable jewel of Bordeaux.

Photos of; Chateau Puygueraud, Director-Owner Cyrille Thienpont.

#DSLounge — 4 months ago

Samuel Sabori

9.1

Citric, concentrated, key lime, tart. Very expressive, but mouse is in the fringe after 10 min open. Drink as a power hour bottle or keep in the cellar for longer than 6 months. 92 for being clean. 88 if it falls into mousy. — 3 years ago

muoi Mulry

9.0

Yummy pinot — 2 years ago

President Obama

9.4

Airbnb gift — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Castoro “Tango” White Blend 2022
Paso Robles, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A dance of flavors in a glass—this wine pairs Chardonnay and Viognier, sourced from Castoro Cellars’ 100% certified-sustainable estate vineyards. With the Viognier contributing floral lift and the Chardonnay providing structure, Tango delivers that perfect Paso Robles warmth with elegance. Winemaker Tom Myers intended this blend to work in “flawless synergy,” much like a Tango dance.  

Aromas & Flavors
Enticing aromas of passionfruit, ripe peach, and ginger spice, with underlying nuances of pear, jasmine, and tactile floral richness.  

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and vibrantly textured, with French oak aging that adds weight to the mid-palate and a silky, soft finish—all wrapped in bright acidity.  

Winemaking Notes
Crafted without added sugars—this is a dry white blend (residual sugar ~0.6%) that balances aromatic expressiveness with freshness. 

Food Pairing
Fantastic with seafood, creamy pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or as a solo sipper. The structure and fringe tension make it versatile and compelling.  

Verdict
A graceful Paso Robles white that blends citrus and floral aromatics with subtle spice and refined texture. Tango 2022 dances across the palate—elegant, harmonious, and deliciously moreish. — 8 months ago

John Roselli

9.1

Lovely medium ruby with just a fringe of orange. Cherry nose with prominent herbal and leather notes. Bright acidity and dusty tannins backing dark cherry and leather midpalate. Can’t say the finish was outstanding, and the acidity is a touch out of balance, but overall a classic Chianti Classico. This bottle will continue to age, soften, and mature, and should be more than drinkable for many years. — 5 years ago

Jason Sliwa

9.0

Solid, inexpensive. — 7 months ago

with Vicki

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

Clear straw color, delicate small bubbles. Aromas of pear, lemon and brioche. Cooked pear, lemon and biscuit on the palate. Very nice champagne!

🏅94 Points - James Suckling

— 8 months ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

Minerals, herbs, very brow fringe — a year ago

David Kline

9.3

And now for a golden oldie! Borders on baked golden apple, poire William notes, green apple slices, and even green apple hard candy. Green pear in a pineapple wash, orange bread, pear tart, dinner roll with orange marmalade. Half-dried lemon juices spiral down pile of acid and minerality. Shows it’s age in all other ways, but acid remains unbroken. Baked crab apple, radish fringe, baked grapefruit but just browned, sour mandarins, lemon and lime piths pull it back to its sinew. Really amazing wine. Endless citrus finish.


#chablis #danielettienedefaix #chablispremiercru #leslys #chablispremiercruleslys #domaineduvieuxchateau #bourgogne #bourgogneblanc #appellationchablispremiercrucontrôlèe — 4 years ago