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. — a month 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. — 2 months 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. — 3 months ago

David Burke

9.0

This is a nicely balanced blend! — 3 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.7

VCC made a rich, dense, dark and tannic wine this year. — 4 months ago

Katya

9.2

Очень приятное, ароматное (при охлаждении) и сладкий чернослив на вкус. У французов. — 5 months ago

Hiroshi Tominaga

8.9

Pleasant drinking. — 7 months ago

Mike Obley

8.9

Surprisingly good for a waek vintage — 5 days ago

Jedidiah Abrams

9.4

Half-bottle — 17 days ago

romo

9.2

On the road from Chablis to Meursault you will find this viscous mouthful. - at Gail & Ralph’s — 2 months ago

Anil Saxena

9.1

Excellently succulent. Great mix of dry and subtly fruity. Like dried fruit set in butter. — 4 months 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 — 3 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

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

Atherton Wine Imports 2026 tasting at République, Los Angeles. 2022 vintage. Better, longer finish than the 2021 version. Dark plum and cassis ruling the roost here. 3.18.26. — 5 months ago

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 — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with positively charming notes of plum, brambles, grilled Poblano pepper, pipe tobacco, dried mixed flowers, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, fine wood and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This is about as traditional as it gets and was simply brilliant tonight. Squarely in the zone. Drink now through 2038+. — 2 months 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 . — 3 months ago

David Koenen

9.4

Gingerbread, cigar box, shoe polish, red bell pepper, fireplace, tobacco leaf, wet earth. Balanced and distinguished. A very chic and classic glass. Beautiful in it’s transition from summer notes to autumn. Drink now. — 3 months ago

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. — 4 months ago

Peter Heyboer

9.0

Wish I could decant this. Oak on the nose, but it hints at the fruit and tobacco/chocolate you're about to taste. Palate has noticeable but not assertive tannins and blends really nicely with the aforementioned flavors. Paired well with dinner but this feels like a pre-dinner sipper. Would buy again. — 6 months ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others