Château Hosanna Château Hosanna

Pomerol, France

Vintage:2011 (Past)

2014 (Past) | 2015 (Past) | 2016 (Past) | 2017 (Current) | 2018 (Current) | 2019 (Current)

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Château Hosanna  Château Hosanna  2011
  • WS 92
  • JS 92

Reviews

Wine Spectator

92 Points

March 31, 2014, James Molesworth

“Sports a briary edge, with an ample core of red currant and raspberry fruit, studded with anise, apple wood and incense notes. Still backward today, with the grip winning out, but all the pieces are in place. This should be a more classic, restrained version when it settles in fully. Best from 2017 through 2027.”

JamesSuckling.com

92 Points

February 18, 2014, James Suckling

“A red with plum and milk-chocolate character, plus hints of hazelnut. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a fruity finish. Subtle and firm. Stylish cocoa, berry and mineral undertones. Better in 2016.”

Overview

Château Hosanna, a jewel-like vineyard of just 4,5 hectares, is located in the heart of Pomerol’s central plateau, adjacent to some of the most illustrious crus of the appellation: Château Lafleur to the north; Château Petrus to the east; Château La Fleur-Pétrus to the west; Vieux Château Certan to the south.

The vineyard of Château Hosanna has a long and rich history. Prior to its purchase by Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1999, Hosanna was known as Château Certan Giraud, considered one of the premier crus of Pomerol since the 1950’s. It was originally part of the de May family estate, who settled on Pomerol’s plateau in the 16th century and planted one of the appellation’s first vineyards there.

Only the highest plateau parcels of its previous incarnation were selected to form Château Hosanna. The vineyard enjoys a terroir of red gravel and clay on "crasse de fer" which is known for producing wines of great elegance, complexity, and power. Old Cabernet Franc vines, a significant portion of which date back to 1956, contribute a unique complexity to the cru.

A marriage of intensity, purity and balance, its silky touch has led some to describe Hosanna as the feminine counterpart to Trotanoy.

Harvest Notes

2011 began with an early winter, cold and with little rain. Spring was dry, warm and very sunny (up 131% compared to previous years). Summer was somewhat erratic, with some high temperatures marred by storms in June and a cooler, humid July. Thankfully August saw a return of the heat that continued throughout September and well into the autumn, ensuring excellent concentration of the grapes. The harvest was early, but abundant, so careful sorting was necessary, and those estates with the means to do so have reaped the benefits. Winemakers who handled the fruit and the extractions gently have made wines of great precision, freshness and elegance.

Technical Information

Varietals: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc

Acres: 11.1 acres acres

Soil Composition: Blue clay on red gravel on iron-rich subsoil

Average Vine Age: 40 years old

Aging: 16-18 months in French oak barrels (50% new)