2017 Vieux Chateau Certan

Very dark crimson in the glass. Restrained clove and meaty tones, together with elegant and lifted bramble fruits, sweet violets and a touch of coconut. The leafy character here is just an undertone. Full-bodied with almost silky tannin at first, becoming dustier on the finish, with refreshing acidity. Savory, leathery palate that’s extracted yet polished. Full of tension, balancing the warming aftertaste. Drinkable now, but best in 10 years.

Just as it was en primeur, the 2017 Vieux Château Certan is regal and soaring right out of the glass. Inky blue and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice, lavender, spice and mint come together in a dense, dark and powerful Pomerol. The 2017 is an explosive, vivid wine of monastic beauty. In this vintage, VCC is especially dark and somber, which adds to a real feeling of mysterious beauty. It is a towering achievement from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont.

Composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Vieux Château Certan sports a deep garnet-purple color. No mincing about, the bouquet absolutely prances out of the glass with stunning scents of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, roses and eucalyptus over a core of black plum preserves, mulberries, black raspberries and blueberry pie plus wafts of licorice, iron ore and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic balance and expression, with very fine-grained, silt-like tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with epic length and perfume.