2021 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
This is certainly up there as one of the wines of the vintage. Like all the stand-out wines in 2021, the team hasn’t tried to be overambitious in extracting structure but instead has opted for elegance. The overall finesse of the wine is utterly beguiling. The scented aromatics soar from the glass, hints of chamomile, old rose and purple flower notes. The palate has wonderful clarity, with precise blackberry and cherry fruit that is very pure. Notably there was no chaptalisation at Vieux Château Certan, which has produced a pretty, beautiful wine of medium concentration and body that will give great drinking pleasure over many years. 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. High-toned. Thick and a bit tough. No charm. Hard work but quite long. (JR)
Harvested between the September 24 and October 6, the 2021 Vieux Château Certan is 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon (planted in 2012), raised in 65% new French oak. The alcohol hit 13.5% with a pH of 3.65. Ripe yet crunchy black cherries, sappy tobacco, spring flowers, and a kiss of crushed stone-like minerality all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, silky, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and the classic spine of acidity of the vintage. It clearly offers pleasure today with its vibrant, elegant style, yet this will cruise in cold cellars on its overall purity, balance, and acidity.
As I mentioned during en primeur, the 2021 Vieux-Château-Certan is driven by the Cabernet components that represent 23% of the blend. Graphite, pencil shavings, tobacco and light gravelly scents percolate through the black fruit. This is unapologetically classic in style. The palate has exquisite balance and harmony—very poised with a perfect line of acidity. There is a linearity that suits VCC's style of Pomerol and wonderful salinity on the finish that lingers. This transcends the limitations of the growing season. Outstanding.
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.