Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This was my Coravin test. It wasn’t ready a number yrs ago. I put it back in the cellar lying on its side. It survived pleasantly. Did not decant.

2004 not the best Bordeaux vintage but there it was in the store reasonably priced. So, I bought this one. Always curious. The 2nd wine from one of my favorite Right Bank producers, Vieux Chateau Certan. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.

The nose shows ripe & slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets.

The palate has M rounded, dry tannins. The fruits are ripe, juicy, ruby/lush & slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices w/ heat, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, dark chocolate baking bar to pudding, mocha, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, some volcanic minerals, hints of menthol, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets, beautiful acidity with a smartly polished, elegant finish that has length, balance & tone that lasts nearly two-minutes.

Moved between 90-92. Ended 92. Enjoyed w/ a medium rare plus Ribcap. Has another 7-10 yrs of road ahead. — 5 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

Lemon yellow with green. Oak vanilla rich buttery. Daniel-Etienne Defaix Domaine du Vieux Chateau Vieille Vignes Chablis 22 @2180, Galeri, 260518 — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.3

A 25-year-old CdP that is drinking beautifully tonight, should last a little bit longer, but pretty darn fantastic tonight, red fruits, earthy notes with with garrigue aromatics, long, lingering finish, terrific!! — 3 months ago

with Monique and Jim

Henry Fuseler

9.0

3/2026. WS 2025 Top100 no. 8. Good fruit. Nice flavor. Paired well with my corned beef with potatoes and cabbage. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over several hours. The 2012 pours a light ruby with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of red brambles, red rope licorice, leather, red flowers and purple flowers, and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose the finish is medium+. Textbook, Grenache forward CdP that’s showing quite beautifully. Drink now through 2032. — 4 months ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Dark and full of character. Very pure with gnarly undertow. Clean and pure — 6 months ago

with Paul and Ara

Douglas Braun

9.3

2017- Vintage- pretty rose petal, Christmas spice, plum fruit, wood spice, very soft fine tannins, amazing such a departure from the 2016 that I had previously — 12 days ago

Brian Hearty

9.1

2022. Our sommelier knew that we have enjoyed several different Chenin Blanc wines with the food at The Oven and poured me a taste of this wine from an opened bottle. Beautiful aromas of apple/apple cider/blossoms. High acidity and medium body. — 2 months ago

David Burke

9.0

This is a nicely balanced blend! — 2 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.7

VCC made a rich, dense, dark and tannic wine this year. — 3 months ago

Katya

9.2

Очень приятное, ароматное (при охлаждении) и сладкий чернослив на вкус. У французов. — 4 months ago

Ming L

9.2

Aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and coastal wildflowers lead into a palate of pear, citrus oil, and crushed stone. The concrete egg and Austrian foudre lend purity and gentle roundness, while 15% new French oak adds subtle spice and toast. Bright acidity carries a saline, mineral-driven finish with impressive length and poise. — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

This CdP seems a bit more angry and wild from being opened, a touch more structure than the softer 2000 Bosquet des Papes (2001 was a more tannic vintage), solid balance, also mature, 13.5% ABV, longish finish. — 7 months ago

with Jim

romo

9.2

On the road from Chablis to Meursault you will find this viscous mouthful. - at Gail & Ralph’s — 25 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Lovely sweet Grenache based fruit in an excellent vintage. Sweetness is the over riding palate descriptor reflective of the ripe vintage - red currant. A long persistent flavour profile. Telegramme is the second wine of Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe. — a month ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Medium straw yellow . Quite rich on the nose , some toasty notes with some wax and yellow fruits , citrus peel, vanilla . On the palate this is all about the texture , quite round but enough balance , blanched almonds , peach. Waxy notes . Good length . Drink now and over the next few years , in a perfect place . — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.3

Only had a few sips. I’m not a big Pinot guy but this was solid. — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Lorenzo Marzilli

9.3

CNDP 2017 Magnum. Different format bottle and was very good. Definitely a wine that needs time to breathe. Became much much better after being open 30 to 45 minutes. Nose: dark fruit, menthol? Taste: plum, cherry, high acidity. — 3 months ago

Chris Coulombe

8.9

Solid. Sharp flavor but has good depth and complexity. Good body for a Pinot. — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits and blossom and spice, fruit from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, two miles in from the Pacific, aged for 12 months in 25% new oak. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with a touch of zesty lemon, crisp, with nitty vanilla notes. Nice mouthfeel, vivid acidity, medium+ finish ending with fruit, vanilla and citrus mineral character. Nice! — 6 months ago