| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Alexandre Thienpont has been making sensational VCCs for several years from the venerable old vines of this exceptionally well situated vineyard. The oldest Merlots were planted in 1932 and the oldest Cabernet Francs in 1948. This is one of the great properties of Pomerol and it normally has a high (for the appellation) percentage of Cabernet in the blend. 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard.
The 2021 Vieux Château Certan has turned out beautifully in bottle, unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cigar wrapper, black truffle, burning embers, mint and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with impressive density, beautifully refined tannins and a long, gently vanillin-inflected finish, it's a blend of 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter imparting complexity and structure. The result is somewhat reminiscent of the estate's exceptional 2011, one of the wines of that unheralded vintage. Drink 2027-2051.
The 2021 has a low proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon this year, with just 3% in the blend that contains 77% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Abv is 13.2%, with the harvest carried out every day from 24th September to 6th October. The yield is in fact up on last year, at 38hl/ha. Deep purple colour. Dark fruit is immediate on the nose, but there is also a strong floral tone and delicate swee spice from wood. The palate is very fine, an effortless intensity building through the mid palate. The tannins are ripe and silky but plentiful, keeping a very fine focus to the blue fruit in the middle. This is driven, cool and elegant Pomerol. Deep, spicy and very long, this is another very impressive VCC that harnesses the best 2021 has to offer.
Medium to full body with a supple, textured and firm tannin structure. Velvety and perfumed with fragrant notes of flowers, cloves, plums and raspberries. Broad and layered. Very supple and evolving. Opens on the palate. 77% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 3% cabernet sauvignon.
The 2021 Vieux Chateau Certan is composed of 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose to reveal vibrant, perfumed notes of black raspberries, fresh black plums, and redcurrant jelly, plus suggestions of cast-iron pan, lilacs, rose oil, cinnamon stick, and aniseed with a waft of forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is very tightly wound, featuring loads of layers of red and black fruits intertwined with mineral sparks, supported by very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. A wine that shimmers from start to finish. The alcohol is 13.3% and the pH is 3.62.
2028-2049
Skilful winemaking, with fragrant curling aromatics, gunsmoke, cigar. This is a year for taking the pleasure in aromatics, so make sure you give it time to open up, as there is a lovely structure here that curls around red roses, raspberry puree, full of joy. No chaptilisation, very light fining. 65% new oak, 3.63ph. Harvest September 24 to October 6.
77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 38 hl/ha. Cask sample.
Rich, racy and aromatic with floral notes to the fore. Old-vine intensity, something not always evident this year. Smooth, elegant texture with fine, persistent tannins. Sweetness to the fruit on attack then fresh and driven on the finish. Good potential. (JL) 13.2%
Drink 2029 – 2050
A blend of 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Vieux Château Certan wafts from the glass with lovely aromas of violets, rose petals, sweet wild berries, exotic spices, orange rind and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, it's an elegant, fleshy wine with a bright core of fruit, ultra-refined tannins and a precise, saline finish. Despite its almost Burgundian finesse, this Pomerol's remarkably penetrating, perfumed finish gives the lie to any notion that it's in any way lacking in intensity of flavor. As is almost invariably the case, Vieux Château Certan is one of the finest wines of the appellation this year.
Medium to full body with a supple, textured and firm tannin structure. Velvety and perfumed with fragrant notes of flowers, cloves, plums and raspberries. Broad and layered. Very supple and evolving. Opens on the palate. 77% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 3% cabernet sauvignon.
This has a classic structure, wet stones, smoked earth, plenty of sappy redcurrant and cassis fruits, graphite and subdued power, will easily age for 15 to 20 years. The emphasis is on graceful structure rather than exuberant fruits, but it has clarity and complexity, and the most beautifully drawn out finish. Skilful winemaking. No chaptilisation, 65% new oak, 3.63ph. Harvest September 24 to October 6.
