2025 Vieux Chateau Certan

Auslieferung bis zum Herbst 2028!
Delivery until Fall 2028!

(Pomerol; 80% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; a final yield of 22 hl/ha; pH 3.75; 14.01% alcohol; tasted in the chai with Guillaume and Alexandre Thienpont). Immediately VCC. That gloss, that sheen, that aerial lift and immediate aromatic purity and clarity of fruit. This year the fruit profile is dark: blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry with loads of crunchy black cherries coming through with a little gentle aeration or just a little time in the glass. Divine on the attack, cooler in the mid-palate than the aromatics lead one to anticipate, with the fruit held quite tightly to a very well-defined central column. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings a little spice and a touch of black pepper. And the wine, already utterly gorgeous, is rendered even more sublime with the arrival of that trace of cedar. The power is measured. As the wine opens it actually seems to become more ample in frame, with the crystalinity evident from the attack even more obvious and even more luminous. The wine is substantial, but the tannins are so soft and gentle that it's really deceptive. This is incredibly clear, pure and lifted again on the finish. One of the most aerial of vintages, despite the density and concentration. Exceptional. Starry.
97-99/100 Colin Hay

Vieux Château Certan shows no fear in the face of a hot, dry vintage. Although the berries were 30% smaller than usual, the moment the wine glides onto the tip of the tongue, violet petals seem to fall across the whole body. The wine is full, steady, and majestic, with a broad, powerful tannic frame. As soon as the concentrated wine touches the palate, it turns into a boundless current, like rivers rushing toward the sea. After a brief pause, the powdery tannins arrive in silence, transforming everything into a dense, finely woven texture that twists and lingers with emotion. Beyond admiration for the extraordinary skill of the vineyard team, those deeply rooted old vines are the true heroes behind the curtain.
97-98/100 Alexandre Ma

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan slowly unfurls to reveal a gorgeous perfume of violets, black cherries, sandalwood, and licorice, leading to a core of blueberry compote and plum preserves, with a waft of fragrant soil. The medium- to full-bodied palate is refreshing, plush, and vibrant with layers of black and blue fruit and floral notes, finishing on a lingering anise note. The blend is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol is 14.01% with a pH of 3.75.
96-98/100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Fragrant, full of energy, dense with silky tannins, steals up on you as it opens, and this is a gorgeous wine that deserves attention. Chamomile, cumin, cassis, blackberry, cocoa bean, espresso, fresh thyme, tobacco, layered and luscious. This really stayed with me, and I absolutely recommend it, one of the wines of Pomerol in the vintage. Harvest September 8 to 18. Estate signature, 22hl/h yield, 3.75ph. The first year with Guillaume Thienpont fully in charge, although still working alongside his father Alexandre (who began with his own father in 1985).
98/100 Jane Anson