2016 La Gravette de Certan
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Gravette de Certan has a deep ruby colour, only just starting to fade at the rim. It has a real intensity on the nose – crunchy blackberry compote and plums with flashes of earthy minerality and a light savoury touch, hints of soy and Asian spices. There is plenty of acidity on the palate with a real punch of tannin and juicy, dark fruit – prickly sloes and boysenberries – with hints of mint and herbs. There is a plenty of length and the intensity persists on a lovely, sweet-fruited finish. The wine is starting to open up nicely but still needs some time to reach its peak. It will drink very well for a good decade and beyond.
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 La Gravette de Certan is flat-out gorgeous. Supple, creamy and beautifully textured, the 2016 possesses striking density and class to burn. Readers will find all of the sensuality of the Grand Vin in this striking, sumptuous second wine. A rush of blue fruits, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petal builds in a silky, beautifully perfumed Pomerol. Readers who can find the Gravette should not hesitate, as it is sublime. The 2016 is 75% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon taken from young vines, those under 25 years of age. Because young vines struggle a bit more under heat stress, the Gravette has a slightly exotic character. It is a fabulous and arrestingly beautiful wine by any measure.
Lovely finesse and clarity of ripe fruit, leather, spice and leaves on the nose and palate. Medium body, elegance and balance. It just floats on the palate. One of best ever of the second wine of Vieux Chateau Certan. Drinkable now, but even better in 2023.
Made up of 75% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 La Gravette de Certan has a deep garnet-purple color and features lovely redcurrants, black raspberries and black cherries notes with a beautiful floral background of lavender and rose hip tea plus suggestions of sandalwood, cinnamon stick and menthol. Medium-bodied, refreshing, elegant and beautifully seamless, it offers layers of perfumed red and black fruits with a satiny texture and very impressive length.
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.