2012 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% abv. A big drop in the Cabernet Sauvignon component because part of the vineyard is being replanted. Very low yield of 30 hl/ha. This is intense and vibrant on the nose with very fresh fruit. Amazingly silky in texture on the palate. Fully ripe but very elegant in style. Lovely finesse of tannins. Very good indeed. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
A dense VCC with beautiful fruit of chocolate, blackberries, blueberries. Full body and velvety, with lovely richness and balanced. So juicy and yummy already. A round and voluptuous young red. One of the top wines of the vintage but not quite 2011 VCC, which benefited from outstanding Cabernet Franc. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Very fresh, with lots of brightly defined red currant, damson plum, anise, violet and white pepper notes. The lacy but persistent structure and energetic acidity lead to a long, tobacco-filled finish. Tasted non-blind. WineSpectator.com—J.M.
A top success, the 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is composed of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep mulberry, plum and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with touches of graphite and subtle smoke lead to a medium-bodied wine with beautiful intensity, well-integrated oak, a velvety opulence and a long, impressively pure finish. A strong effort, it should drink well for 15 or more years. ||Alexander Thienpont continues to turn out brilliant wines from this property situated on the high Plateau of Pomerol. The harvest took place between October 1 and 11, producing 33 hectoliters per hectare. The 2012 achieved 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.8 and an index of polyphenols as high as the 2010, which was somewhat surprising. It is not nearly as powerful or rich as the 2010 or the 2009. All the old vine parcels of Merlot made it into the final blend. Wine Advocate.April, 2013
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.