1982 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol

Extraordinary freshness on the nose here, with dark, vibrant bramble fruits, restrained leafy notes and leathery, balsamic depth. Some aromas and flavors of sweeter yellow fruit, too. Full-bodied with a dense, velvety attack to the vibrant palate. Sucrosity and a tight, youthful feel, due to the crisp acidity. This is still young, and you feel the warmth of the vintage in the finish. Yet, it’s a classy wine with overall elegance. Drink or hold.

The 1982 Vieux Château Certan is an absolute classic and one of the finest vintages produced at this estate since its golden era in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The bouquet today is still ripe, young and stellar, soaring from the glass in a complex blend of black plums, cassis, mocha, espresso, dark soil tones, gentle nuttiness, singed tobacco and a nice touch of VCC botanicals in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with firm, moderate tannins, excellent focus and grip, really good acidity for the vintage and great length and grip on the very precise and complex finish. This is a great, great 1982! 96+