2009 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol (OWC)

“The 2009's nearly 14% natural alcohol, exquisite ripeness, and incredible complex bouquet of Asian spices, fruitcake, licorice, smoke, blackberries and black currants are to die for. A blend of 84% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a viscous texture as well as a freshness and vibrancy that are remarkable given the wine’s weight, richness and potential massiveness. This extraordinary effort is one of the finest Vieux Chateau Certans made over the last sixty years. It will undoubtedly shut down in bottle, requiring a decade or more of cellaring. It should keep for 50 years thereafter. Proprietor Thienpont thinks it is a modern day version of the 1948. (RP)” (02/2012)

“Rich and deep plum in colour, still with a vibrant reflection. This is right at the top tier of the 2009s, juicy and controlled, capturing appellation typicty in the soft waves of grilled caramel without being sweet or heavy, opens to waves of violet and tomato leaf, sculpted, juicy, delicious.” (09/2024)

“Extremely youthful aromas of bramble fruits, even restrained dark plums, together with meaty and leafy, though not herbal notes, rounded off with a perfect integration of clove and chocolate. Bright, fruity palate, balanced by firm, dusty tannins which still need to integrate more. Crisp acidity and a tight yet polished finish. Feels more of a Left Bank style in this vintage.” (06/2024)

“This shows gorgeous silk and polish, brimming with beguiling plum, cherry eau de vie and red currant fruit flavors laced with supple toasty vanilla and cedar hints. But in the background brews a darker side, with loam, maduro tobacco and iron notes, which take over on the finish authoritatively. This feels like it will get a lot bigger before it fully melds - and that will be a while. (JM)” (03/2012)

“The 2009 Vieux Château Certan, which has a similar blend to the 1998, was cropped at 40hl/ha. It is fascinating to compare this directly with the preceding vintage. This is ripe and concentrated with black cherries, wild mint and licorice. Typical 2009 Right Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins, fleshy with a strong savory element mixed with brown spices. I maintain that this is more a 2009 than a VCC, which is why I am prudent with my score and juxtaposed it against the following vintage: there's only one winner.” (06/2024)

“Evolved dark garnet with a shaded rim. Heady, rich, definitively hedonistic Pomerol nose. Such a beautiful blend of ripeness and freshness on the finish. Beautifully polished tannins and restrained, focussed, gorgeously integrated elements with a lovely long finish. Just a hint of Cabernet Franc aroma on the finish. Such a joy! 19/20 points (JR)” (11/2024)