Vieux Château Certan 2023

VCC zeigt von Anfang an Frische und Frucht! Die Frische ist in diesem Jahr nicht dem Cabernet Sauvignon zu verdanken, da die Trockenperiode ihn in seiner Entwicklung blockiert hat. Alexandre Thienpont zog es vor, sich auf Merlot und Cabernet Franc zu konzentrieren. Der Wein hat Substanz und Tiefe, mit einem salzigen Hauch, der das Finale dynamisiert und den Charme der Tannine ergänzt. Der Wein ist kraftvoll und elegant, fein und imposant. Das verdankt er seinem Stammbaum, seinem Terroir und seinen Lehmböden. Ein linearer, strenger, aber dennoch charmanter Wein mit Spannungen, die als Pufferzone fungieren. Ein sehr großer Wein mit schönen Visionen bezüglich Zukunft! 2030-2068

Alexandre and Guillaume, a father-son team, started harvesting on September 18, which is almost two weeks later than most Pomerol estates. I was expecting to find a VCC with exceptional maturity, but to my surprise, it had an abundance of violet fragrance accompanied by a refined and smooth palate. Sometimes, one cannot help but admire their mastery of elegance. The 2023 vintage encapsulates many of VCC’s recent characteristics such as juicy berry aromas, fine tannins, a seamless taste experience, and the elegance of violet fragrances. When it comes to elegance, VCC ranks either first or second in the Pomerol, beyond any dispute.

A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc.

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan bursts from the glass with demonstrative aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets mingled with notions of burning embers, iris, crushed mint and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and sensual, with a gourmand attack that segues into a layered, enveloping mid-palate, it's polished and perfumed, with a sweet core of fruit and a long, gently oak-inflected finish. This year's blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc checks in at 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.74.