2019 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol 6x75cl

Antonio Galloni 98+

The 2019 Vieux Chateau Certan is even better from bottle than it was from barrel. It is very clearly one of the highlights on the Right Bank. Soaring aromatics are immediately captivating. There is an exoticism in the 2019 that I saw from barrel that is evident in the bottled wine, but today, I see more balance and harmony. Creme de cassis, licorice, lavender, spice and rose petal blend into a core of red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are so well balanced. The Grand Vin is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but the blend also includes one lot of young vine Cabernet Sauvignon that was added for its aromatic presence. That decision paid off in spades, as the 2019 is truly magical. [Antonio Galloni, 23/02/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2034-2069

Neal Martin 98

The 2019 Vieux Chateau Certan was picked from September 23 after light showers the previous day. "We dared to add some Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019, which gives complexity," Alexandre Thienpont remarks, "but the Cabernet was ‘killed’ in 2020." It has a much more discrete bouquet than the 2018, unfolding with truffle-tinged black fruit. There are fewer marmalade scents than I noticed a couple of years ago, but there is absolutely stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, like a cousin of the superlative 2016 in many ways, but it may be silkier towards the finish. Elegant yet paradoxically intense, this is VCC at full flight. and it’s only on its opening pages! Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. [Neal Martin, 30/07/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2075

Wine Advocate 100

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2019 Vieux Chateau Certan unfurls in the glass with a striking bouquet of cassis and cherries mingled with notions of violets, loamy soil, sweet spices and incense. Full-bodied, ample and layered, it’s seamless and enveloping, with a fleshy core of beautifully vibrant fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, this perfumed, sensual Vieux Chateau Certan is a remarkable achievement from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont. [William Kelley, 16/03/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2059

JancisRobinson.com 19

78% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings complexity. Everything contributed to the success of the vintage. A sufficiently cool and rainy winter. A fresh and sunny spring. Throughout the summer, a gradual water deficit before veraison and dry, sunny weather with cool nights Welcome light rain showers from 22 September allowed the vines to rehydrate and complete the full grape ripeness. Harvest began 23 September. Deep blackish crimson. Very comfortably established and well-knit nose. Just a little bit of heat but great drama on the palate. Already the tannins are so smooth! With a mass of ripe cassis fruit. The Merlot signature is so mild. Toasty and long. Voluptuous. Sweet and glamorous. Beautiful texture. Sinewy. Long and confident. Very classic. Still a little hint of spicy oak on the very end. (JR) [06/06/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2060