2023 VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN Pomerol, Lea & Sandeman

VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN

2024 Pomerol

Grapes Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
District Right Bank
Sub-district Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol
Village Pomerol
ABV 13.5%

The 2024 Vieux Château Certan contains a higher proportion of Cabernet this year (23% Sauvignon and Franc combined) that was picked at 30 hl/ha between September 20 to October 2. That Cabernet is articulated on the nose: graphite and light tobacco scents percolating through the mainly black fruit. This has plenty of freshness and more fruit than some other Pomerol cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied, but there is much more weight and density on the back palate than nearly all of its peers. Distinctly peppery and quite spicy in style, this is one of the few to transcend the strict limitations of the growing season. In some ways, it is an uncompromising VCC that does not have the finesse of the greatest vintages I have tasted over the years, yet there is flavour and substance packed inside this nascent wine. Deeply impressive. This is one of the very few '24s that will oblige bottle age. Drinking range: 2032 - 2075 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2025)


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71 Merlot, 20 Cabernet Franc, 9 Cabernet Sauvignon: 13.5% alc: 30 hl/ha: 3.70 pH: Harvesting Merlot took place between 20 and 28 September, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on 1 October, and Cabernet Franc was picked on 2 October. Alexandre Thienpont explained that all of his young vine Cabernet (planted in 2012) is included in the blend for perfume, while the other grapes in the mix are all drawn from his much older vines. There are some delicate immortelle and chamomile notes on the nose, and the palate is equally free-flowing and effortless. There is pedigree everywhere you look, and the flavours are delivered at a deliberate pace with typical VCC élan. While August was responsible for the beating Merlot heart of this wine, the Cabernets are the feathers in this hat. While oak is undoubtedly present, it cloaks the wine with a diaphanous layer of fine marquetry rather than interrupting the seamless flow of enjoyment. Slimmer and more red-hued than recent vintages, there is welcome rigidity on the finish that straightens up the experience and signs off with a reliable sense of knowing and control. Rating: 19 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2025)

Violet ruby with a vibrant rim, reflects the savoury vivid quality of the vintage in the wines that deliver. Clear chamomile tea, fragrant white blossom, redcurrant, blueberry, a touch of austerity and reserve compared to the past few vintages, but with purity and finesse, mouthwatering finish, 30hl/h yield, 3.7ph, harvest 20 September to 2 October. 3.70 pH, and a high Cabernet character in the final blend (despite one block less of Cabernet Franc after replanting), 66% new oak. An enjoyable wine from Alexandre Thienpont. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2025)

A really classic VCC with such delicious, crunchy fruit, showing blackberries, blueberries, violets and dried spices. Medium-bodied, vivid and lively, it has very fine tannins as well as energy and brilliance. So balanced and harmonious. A blend of 71% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 9% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2025)

Vieux Château Certan

Founded in the 16th century, the Vieux Chateau Certan has kept its name since 1745. In 1924 it was acquired by Georges Thienpont. Situated in the heart of Pomerol, this Château is the oldest cru of the appellation. Since its early days it has gained a reputation of being one of the rarest and most prestigious crus in the world. It is hailed for the exquisite finesse of its wines, the elegance of the chartreuse chateau surrounded by age-old trees, the order and quality of the vineyard – Vieux Château Certan inspires and fascinates wine connoisseurs around the world.

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