2013 Vieux Chateau Certan
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2013 Vieux-Château-Certan has one of the most attractive aromatics amongst the Pomerol intake, red fruit and briary, light floral scents, air and demonstrating more delineation than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, more fruit concentration than the preceding La Fleur-Pétrus, with more energy on the finish that exerts a light grip. One not to overlook. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Glowing garnet. Quite fragrant with some backbone around which flesh is evident. Seriously constructed and a wine with some length even if the (quite long) finish has something a little unripe about it. (JR)
The 2013 Vieux Château Certan is another very fine vintage for Alexandre Thienpont, one of the best on the Right Bank. Blackcurrant and raspberry on the nose, not complex but pure and open. The palate is medium-bodied with decent depth, no signs of any greenness and a finish with just the right amount of dryness. This is an earlier drinking VCC but enjoyable.
At Vieux Chateau Certan, production of the top wine fell by 75% in this vintage, after extreme selection by owner Alexandre Thienpont. At 10 years old, it retains a dark ruby colour and shows balance and grace, centred around cold ash, undergrowth and remnants of charred blackberry fruit studded with pomegranate and spice. Has appeal, very much in its drinking window. 23hl/h yield.
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.