Lot 181
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2008 (1) WA 93
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2009 (1) WA 99
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2011 (1)
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2012 (1) WA 95
Lot 181 Details
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2008 (1)
Pomerol.
u. bn
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. May 2011 WA 93
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2009 (1)
Pomerol.
u. bn.
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. December 2011 Drink: 2022-2072 WA 99
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2011 (1)
Pomerol.
u. bn.
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2012 (1)
Pomerol.
u. bn.
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. 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. Tasted January 2016. Drink: 2020-2045 WA 95