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 day ago

Sharon Goldman

9.3

For a young Bordeaux, this is delicious. In 5-10 years it will be truly amazing. Shared with friends and family over our Passover Seder. — 10 years ago

with Emily

Dru Margolin

8.9

Nice and fresh drinker. — a year ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2016 vintage. Amazing to find this in my local supermarket given the microscopic production (around 5000 bottles of pure Merlot from a small 0,5 hectares vineyard). Very ripe cherry and raspberry fruit with some smokiness. Concentrated fruit, a solid structure of well-tamed tannins and good length. Should age well for at least 5 years. Another great Bordeaux value in this excellent vintage at 11,90 euro. Abv. 14%. — 6 years ago

Martin Frowde

8.9

Dry rose, almost neon pink colour with pretty clementine (?) nose. Nice thick mouthfeel with juicy taste of raspberry and oranges that has just the right amount of acidity. Clearly benefitted from a good vintage but comes recommended and is good value. — 10 years ago

with Georgina

Delectable Wine

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9.2

The 2019 Bon Pasteur has more fruit concentration than either the Gravette de Certan and La Fleur de Gay tasted alongside - blackberry and wild strawberry, truffle and a touch of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, firm backbone yet with plenty of freshness on its sappy finish. A fine Pomerol. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 3 years ago

Henry R

9.2

Super pleasant surprise. ! — 7 years ago

Karie Peterson

8.9

$29.00 very good — 10 years ago