Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol

100 points - The Wine Advocate
99 points - The Wine Advocate
96 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
100 points - The Wine Advocate
99 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol - 2015 - 75cl - Onshore Cellars

Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol

100 points - The Wine Advocate
99 points - The Wine Advocate
96 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
100 points - The Wine Advocate
99 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
93 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
Vintage
Size
Regular price €494.40
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The 2016 Vieux Château Certan is blended of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with pristine, vivid notions of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry compote and mulberries with fragrant touches of raspberry leaves, crushed rocks, licorice, cumin seed and yeast extract plus a waft of red roses. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully elegant, the palate builds from a quiet intensity to an incredibly well-sustained aria of crunchy red and black cherries notes plus tons of floral undertones, framed by exquisitely soft yet firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with lingering mineral and floral sparks. How does this 2016 compare to the also amazing 2015 vintage? Stylistically they are very different, as my notes on each should convey, but beyond this I am struck by the incredible harmony and seamlessness of the 2016 along with its amazing depth and energy this year. Bravo!
Blended of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Vieux Chateau Certan opens with profound notes of blueberry compote, dried mulberries, black forest cake, licorice, violets and garrigue with wafts of black truffles, sandalwood and rose hips. Medium to full-bodied, very earthy/savory and beautifully layered with very plush yet present tannins, it offers lovely freshness and a very long minerally finish. So very Pomerol!
The 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is a blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked in three stages: 19-20 September, 29 September to 2 October, and 7 and 8 October. It is endowed with an exquisite bouquet, really one of the best I encountered throughout my tastings: perfumed blackberry, wild strawberry, cold stone and wilted rose petals. Like in barrel, it is not powerful, yet it is blessed with wondrous precision. The palate is medium bodied with crisp acidity and fine tannin, a slightly masculine VCC due to its linearity and precision. There is tension here from start to finish, a sophisticated and cerebral Pomerol that transcends the growing season. It is a totally different kettle of fish to the 2015 (and doubtless the pre-natal 2016). This is unashamedly classic in style, fanning out towards the mineral-rich finish with great frisson and energy. A cellar without the 2014 Vieux-Château-Certan would be a great pity.
The 2012 Vieux Château Certan has a potent, smoke, cooked meat, Cabernet Franc-scented bouquet that is beautifully defined—quintessentially Pomerol. You want typicité? Come right here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite gentle as it sashays across the mouth. The acidity is very well judged and leads to an elegant tobacco tinged finish. Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont have produced one of the finest wines of the Right Bank in 2012, one that is up there with the greats.
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in colour, and —POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.
The 2009's nearly 14% natural alcohol, exquisite ripeness, and incredible complex bouquet of Asian spices, fruitcake, licorice, smoke, blackberries and black currants are to die for. A blend of 84% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a viscous texture as well as a freshness and vibrancy that are remarkable given the wine’s weight, richness and potential massiveness. This extraordinary effort is one of the finest Vieux Chateau Certans made over the last sixty years. It will undoubtedly shut down in bottle, requiring a decade or more of cellaring. It should keep for 50 years thereafter. Proprietor Thienpont thinks it is a modern day version of the 1948.
This is a beautiful wine, much more developed and evolved than the 2010, as one might expect, with perfumed notes of camphor, cedar, charcoal, herbs, and black and red fruits. A blend of 70% of Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has very complex aromatics, medium to full body, outstanding ripeness, a spicy, perfumed character, and light to moderate tannin. It can benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades.
A stunning effort from Alexander Thienpont, the 2005 Vieux Chateau Certan (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) reveals an inky/blue/purple color along with a rich, sumptuous perfume of black olives, lavender, roasted herbs, licorice, pain grille, and oodles of truffles as well as creme de cassis. In the mouth, hints of chocolate and charcoal also make an appearance along with good acidity, fabulous purity, and a full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel. In keeping with the style of this terroir, the wine is reserved and restrained, but deep. It should develop magnificently, and age for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.
This stunning blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of black cherries, licorice, roasted herbs, smoke, and cassis. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, pure flavors reveal moderately high tannin, but superb concentration and richness. Vieux Chateau Certan should be one of the longer-lived and most complex wines of the vintage.
A terrific effort, this classic blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of cedar, spice box, black cherries, and cassis. With impressive purity, medium body, moderate tannin, and a long finish (40 plus seconds)
A gorgeous wine of grace, elegance, and power, this youthful 2000 will benefit from another five years of cellaring. It appears to have 25 more years of life ahead of it. A deep ruby/purple color is just beginning to lighten at the edges. The bouquet offers up scents of cedar wood, melted licorice, black currants, blackberries, caramel, and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and pure with low acidity as well as formidable tannins in the long finish, the 2000 should rival vintages such as 2005, 2006, and 2009.
The 1990 Vieux Château Certan is drinking exceptionally well at the moment, although it does not quite possess the charm of the 1989. There is more primary fruit here than the previous vintage: black cherries, iodine and boysenberry, mingling with clove and tarry aromas that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is similar depth here to the 1989 and yet the finish does not quite deliver the same delineation, although that cheeky dab of kirsch is pure delight.
Type:
Red
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
Appellation:
Pomerol
Producer:
Vieux Château Certan
Grapes/Blend:
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Pairing Sugesstions:
Lamb, Beef, Venison, Game Birds, Duck, Charcuterie and Cured Meats

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Behind the bottle

Vieux Château Certan

Vieux Château Certan

Vieux Chateau Certan is a renowned wine producer located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate has a long and rich history dating back to the...

Vieux Chateau Certan is a renowned wine producer located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was owned by the Demay family. In the 18th century, it was acquired by the De May family, who gave the estate its current name. Today, Vieux Chateau Certan is owned by the Thienpont family, who have been producing exceptional wines since 1921.

The vineyards of Vieux Chateau Certan cover 14 hectares and are planted with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil is a mix of gravel, clay, and sand, which provides excellent drainage and allows the vines to produce grapes of exceptional quality. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process.

The winemaking process at Vieux Chateau Certan is a traditional one, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the terroir of the estate. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before being aged in oak barrels for up to 18 months. The oak barrels used are a mix of new and old, which allows the wine to develop complexity and depth of flavor.

The wines produced by Vieux Chateau Certan are known for their elegance, finesse, and complexity. They are rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine. The wines have a long and lingering finish, which is a testament to the quality of the grapes and the winemaking process.

Vieux Chateau Certan produces two main wines, the Grand Vin and the second wine, La Gravette de Certan. The Grand Vin is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the exact blend varying depending on the vintage. It is a wine that can be enjoyed young, but also has the potential to age for decades. La Gravette de Certan is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and is a more approachable wine that can be enjoyed in its youth.

In conclusion, Vieux Chateau Certan is a producer of exceptional wines that are a true reflection of the terroir of the Pomerol appellation. The estate has a long and rich history, and the Thienpont family continues to produce wines of exceptional quality. The wines are elegant, complex, and full-bodied, with a long and lingering finish. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, a bottle of Vieux Chateau Certan is sure to impress.

Vieux Château Certan
Bordeaux - Onshore Cellars

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90...
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation.

The finest (and most expensive) of these are the wines from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The former is focused (at the top level) on Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter pair on on Merlot.

The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines based on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. These range from dry whites to challenge the best from the Burgundy region (Pessac-Léognan is particularly renowned) to the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Explore Bordeaux
Our collection of Pomerol - Find this at Onshore Cellars your yacht wine supplier

Pomerol

Pomerol is a small wine appellation located in the Bordeaux region of France. It is known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world, particularly...

Pomerol is a small wine appellation located in the Bordeaux region of France. It is known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world, particularly its red wines made from the Merlot grape.

The history of Pomerol dates back to the Roman era, when the area was known for its fertile soils and ideal climate for grape growing. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Pomerol began to gain recognition for its wines. In 1855, Pomerol was not included in the famous Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, which was a list of the best wines in the region. This was largely due to the fact that Pomerol was a relatively unknown appellation at the time. However, this did not deter the winemakers of Pomerol, who continued to produce exceptional wines that would eventually gain worldwide recognition.

The style of production in Pomerol is unique compared to other wine regions in Bordeaux. The vineyards are relatively small, with many of them being family-owned and operated. The winemakers in Pomerol focus on producing high-quality wines that are reflective of the terroir, or the unique characteristics of the soil and climate in the region. The Merlot grape is the dominant variety grown in Pomerol, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon also being grown.

The typical wines from Pomerol are red wines that are rich, full-bodied, and complex. They are known for their deep, dark color and intense aromas of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry. On the palate, Pomerol wines are often described as having a velvety texture, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins in Pomerol wines are typically soft and well-integrated, making them approachable even when young.

Some of the most famous wines from Pomerol include Château Pétrus, Château Lafleur, and Château Le Pin. These wines are highly sought-after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world, and can command prices that are among the highest in the wine industry.

In conclusion, Pomerol is a unique and special wine appellation that produces some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Its history, style of production, and the grapes grown there all contribute to the distinctive character of Pomerol wines. If you are a fan of red wine, particularly Merlot, then Pomerol is definitely an appellation to explore.

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