2023 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol
Pre-Arrival
97-100CK
97-99TWI
98DC
97-98JS
96-98JD
96-98VN
96JA
$299.99
Pre-Arrival: Estimated to be available for delivery or pickup by a future date.
12 Available for Purchase
97-
100
Chris Kissack
Reviewed April 2024The blend is 92% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc. No Cabernet Sauvignon in the grand vin as they were not happy with the quality this year; Guillaume felt it was hampered by the drought in August. Oh my, this has beautiful aromatics, all very pure blackcurrant, griottes and black cherry, perfumed with white flowers, acacia, perhaps even a touch of white peach all very pure and delineated. For the vintage, a breathtaking aromatic composition. The palate does not disappoint, with beautiful harmony on the palate, lots of blackcurrant and black cherry, liquorice and white flowers, very complete and stylish, with a core of powdery tannins which carries the dressed and fragrant fruit forward with a sense of effortlessness. Very complete, dense and structured, and filled with potential. This is a glorious interpretation of the vintage, and I find it hard to imagine a wine more convincing than this in 2023. Stunning; one for the cellar (after the élevage, naturally).
Professional Reviews
97-
99
The Wine Independent
A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Chateau Certan 2023 has a pH of 3.74 and it is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of fresh blackberries, juicy plums, and black cherries slowly emerge from the glass, opening out to fragrant notes of violets, star anise, and black truffles, followed by wafts of wood smoke and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is taut and muscular with firm, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing with many, many layers of earth, spice, and floral notes. This is pure latent power. (LPB) 97-99+
98
Decanter
Beautiful purple colour in the glass, vibrant and alive. Great florality; raspberry, cherry, cranberry, lots of fresh red summer berries and lots of aromatics. Broad and expansive on the palate, delicate yet powerfu with flavours of crushed herbs, stones and mint - sappy and saline. Feels very VCC on the palate, combining grippy Cabernets with fruity, fleshy Merlot. A statuesque and structured wine with no harshness. Effortless and totally moreish. I love it, classicism in the very best way. There’s something incredible about this wine, full of life and juiciness. Excellent. 3.74pH (lower than usual). 4% press wine. Ageing two thirds new oak. 42hl/ha yield. (GH)
97-
98
James Suckling
A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc.
Staff Reviews
RM
Review Date: 07/2026
Every once in a while, I get the chance to taste in the humble cellars of Vieux Chateau Certan, where Alexandre Thienpont lets the wines speak for themselves, and they not only speak with volume, but also great harmony. The 2023 is such a wine, one that just puts a smile on your face. Thienpont called this vintage "back to Bordeaux," capturing the classic notes of a fine VCC. The most vibrant wine aromatically of perhaps the whole vintage, it had wild aromas of bright fruit, florals, and a deep clay minerality. On the palate it is layered, with perfect fruit, balanced and seamless texture, and refreshing acidity. The finish is long, and each smell/sip brings another nuance. It's a wine you want to spend time with. 2023 Vieux Chateau Certan is a brilliant Pomerol and a success by any measure.
Details
| Origin | Pomerol, Bordeaux, France |
|---|---|
| Type/Varietal | Merlot |
| SKU | 1752227 |
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