1999 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
‘Alexandre: “1999 was a Merlot year, like 1998 and 1997. It was a vintage of fruit, not of tannin, as was the 1998. With our precocious terroir, the harvest took ten days, from 13 September, under excellent conditions. For the third consecutive year, we confirmed the supremacy of our superbly mature Merlot grapes. The blend reflects this.’ 85 % Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 38 hl/ha. Deep crimson. For the moment it’s a youthful bordeaux blend. Not the most opulent. But it has VCC integrity. A hint of ink in terms of structure and flavour. Little iron and meat flavour. Long. Actually very impressive on the finish. Still chewy. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Vieux Château Certan comes from a vintage that Alexandre Thienpont describes as a "Merlot year", comprising 85% of the blend. Picked at slightly higher yields than the previous vintage (38hl/ha), this has a disarmingly attractive bouquet: well-defined with black fruit, truffle and subtle gravelly scents. This is focused and fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fresh and spicier than the 1998. It's not a VCC of untrammeled power, yet it has real precision on the sapid finish. It's still holding something back, and it is a Pomerol that I would like to cellar longer based on this bottle. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
Restrained, youthful and elegant, showing leather and straw, chocolate and fresh bramble fruits. A lot of fruit pulp on the full-bodied, fleshy palate. Chewy acidity and polished, velvety tannins provide a tight-knit structure. Very good length. Chewy, yet polished.
The 1999 Vieux Château Certan, a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a vintage that I have not tasted for a few years. It has an intriguing nose, difficult to fathom out at the beginning, with noticeable algae-like notes that tinge the predominantly black fruit. These aromatics need time to coalesce and eventually offer a discreet peppermint scent. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, almost powdery tannin, but plenty of freshness. Secondary notes of leather and black pepper, cedar and sage begin to dictate the second half, and the long, peppery finish leaves you eager for another sip. While there is something conservative about this VCC – which, incidentally, you would swear contains more than 5% Cabernet Sauvignon – it has ample tension and energy and should offer another decade of drinking pleasure. Tasted from an ex- château bottle at the estate.
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.