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. — 8 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

Atherton Wine Imports 2026 tasting at République, Los Angeles. 2023 vintage. 3.18.26. — 4 months ago

Michael Phillips

9.4

A magnum that should improve over the next decade went well with a perfectly roasted turkey. — 8 months ago

Shangliao Sun

9.1

Bruised apple, toast, good acidity and great length. — 4 years ago

Michael Schamis

8.9

Given an hour in the decanter this wine comes alive. Soft and earthy with a kiss of red fruit with a hint of barnyard that comes with age. — 5 years ago

with Kati and Jeffrey

Alan Weinberg

9.2

simply super Meursault Perrieres with minerality and flowers, very elegant and balanced wine that has a long future. Outstanding. — 6 years ago

Space

9.6

Выпито на балконе в Regnum Crown с Крепчуками. 19.06.26 — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2015 vintage. Opened and decanted. Tasted after 1.25 hours open and at approximately 64 degrees. Great acidity still with everything proportionately balanced. Mouth-watering. 4.24.26. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2015 vintage. Tasted the 2023 version two days ago (9.4). Massive fruit and acidity and built for the long haul. So too, was this effort. Decanted and tasted after an hour at approx 62 degrees. Medium-heavy body. Golden ripeness harnessed by governing acidity. Hovers in this state for another 4-5 years before descending to a different stratum. 3.20.26 — 4 months ago

Mike Evans

9.0

A little natty funk, it didn’t really resonate with me. — 2 years ago

Byron Fuller

9.3

Not sure when degorged but superb bubbles and that old-school Giraud FdC nose that’s been lost in recent years and their cuvee insanity. Wish I had more of this, last bottle and pretty rare retail-wise now. — 5 years ago

Peter James

9.5

Congrats Mike & Amber — 5 years ago

Michael Phillips

9.2

Nice blend , medium body lots of white fruit. — 6 years ago

Patrick O Driscoll

9.6

Great wine with tannins, decant to fully explore and enjoy. — 7 years ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Soft and focused and pretty. Cherry and light plum. Nice fruit and on a great place — 2 months ago

with Paul and Ara

Jeroen Koenen

9.7

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

Steven Lee

9.2

light but smooth. many residue — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

The Henri Giraud “Hommage au Pinot Noir” is a love note of sorts to, you guessed it, Pinot Noir. And true to the house style, this Blanc de Noirs from Aÿ sees no stainless steel in the process. Instead, this wine is aged on its lees for 54 months in a combination of small oak barrels and amphora before resting in the bottle. The results are quite remarkable.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a few hours. In the glass, the wine has a very pretty straw color with medium viscosity and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with a combination of intriguing autolytic and oxidative notes on the initial pour. Over time, the wine seems to brighten up and reveals a lovely mix of white peach, strawberry, raspberry, lemon curd, lightly toasted brioche and limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich, creamy and hugely satisfying. Dare I say this is Krug-esque? Compelling stuff. Drink now. No disgorgement data. — 2 years ago

Alexander Motola

9.4

Outstanding. We drink a lot of white Burgundy, and this wine was excellent across all parameters: nose, palate, finish. It wasn’t a transformative experience, just a superior wine in every way. — 6 years ago

Shuji Yanada

9.3

香りも味わいも豊か。
MV2012
— 6 years ago