Jeroen Koenen

9.7

VCC made a rich, dense, dark and tannic wine this year. — 10 days ago

John Pavlovich

9.6

Deeper, richer, more dense than the previous one, more powerful and complex, the wine for hedonists. Not a wimpy wine. Just entering its plateau of maturity, but a wonderful wine to drink. Again, wait a couple more years before opening the next one. — 4 years ago

Fredybeans

9.6

Robe vieille or
Nez sur l orange la vanille bourbon un côté pâtissier puis devient plus généreux avec l air
Bouche plein et précise avec de la tension en attaque milieu de bouche ultra large et finale longue sur la vanille des notes de vieux rhum et l orangette
Très beau vin semblant a maturité mais dont l’an phase de plateau ne fait que debuter
— 7 years ago

with Pico and El

Bret Barker

9.1

Second time trying this wine, this time much better. Deep purple with soft tannins, black fruit but much more that barnyard earthy undertone. Made the 02 vieux certan seem down right fruity. — 8 years ago

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 — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Not giving as much as I expected - probably its youth. A touch of H2S. Cellar it. The blend is usually 70% Merlot; 25% Cabernet Franc; and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated on Pomerols prized central plateau. Soils being composed of a blend of clay and gravel. — 8 years ago

Will Stanley

9.6

The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe, enjoyed here from half bottle, encapsulates everything so wonderful about Chateauneuf-du-Pape, coming from very old vines on the fabled plateau of La Crau. Pungent aromatics; an ethereal cacophony of sweet cranberry, blackcurrant, strawberry, liquorice, blood orange, white pepper and garrigue (in spades), with airy elegance and poise. The palate follows in much the same style, graceful and welcoming, adding flecks of sweet vanilla. There is, however, a core of iron and solid structure that ties everything together. This is accomplished stuff, even in such a brilliant vintage as 2007, and this elegant, complex CNdP warrants a high score – and further ageing. — 2 years ago

David White

9.2

New Tasmanian Pinot from owners Chateau Vieux Certan which is very refined, a little light, but with wonderful finesse and perfumed nuances.
Good finish and aftertaste. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

At the Pomerol Dinner we then had 3 vintages of Chateau Hosanna starting with the 1999. 70% Merlot 30% Cabernet Franc. Only 4.5 hectares with some famous neighbours - Lafleur to the north; Petrus to the east; La Fleur-Petrus to the west; and Vieux Chateau Certan to the south. This 1999 was the first vintage made under the Hosanna name. Earthy with a touch of wet nappy. On the palate plump and round with supple tannins. — 8 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

The 2014 L’Eglise-Clinet has a gentle, understated bouquet at first that takes time to open, eventually offering black fruit, melted tar, truffle and bay leaf aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, rather masculine and thickset at the moment, lightly spiced towards the finish. Much like the Vieux-Château-Certan, this is a little awkward in a blind setting however, it clearly meliorates in the glass and I keep on having to up my score. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2018) — 8 years ago