1970 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
‘Broadbent called it an outstanding vintage both for the quality and the quantity of the crop. The wine market needed another good vintage. Cool winter, late spring, flowering late but good weather. High temperatures and drought in July. August varied between hot periods and rainy, cooler periods. A long period of warm weather and bright sunshine including over the harvest period. Unusual for all the Bordeaux grapes to ripen evenly and at the same time.’ Not nearly as tough as most 1970s. Pale ruby. Mellow nose and lots of fruit, then fresh and sweet. Not much tannic grip and no austerity though it stood up well in the glass. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1970 Vieux Château Certan is in a different league to the bottle four years ago in London. Apparently, all the grape varieties achieved ripeness around the same time, which predicated pressure on harvesting them all at the right moment. This is pure on the nose with cedar-infused red fruit and touches of sous-bois . It's a bit "old school", but I write that in a positive way. Well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with an outstanding bead of acidity, a mélange of red and black fruit with a pinch of aniseed on the finish. I feel this is a far more representative bottle than the last one. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
A burgundian aroma of cherry fruit and earthy, oaky, spicy components is satisfactory enough. On the palate, the 1970 Vieux-Chateau-Certan is moderately concentrated, light, fruity, and charming. However, it has little of the power, richness, and depth expected. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/80.
About the producer
The original Château at Vieux Château Certan dates back to around 1770 but the modern history of the estate begins in 1924 - the year that Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont purchased the property.