1990 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
1990 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Embarking upon the terroir-driven landscape of Bordeaux's famed Pomerol region, the 1990 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan commands attention for its exceptional expression of this monumental vintage. The year 1990 is still spoken of in hushed tones amongst connoisseurs and collectors; a year that bestowed optimal climatic conditions leading to wines of profound complexity and longevity.
An Epitome of Elegance and Balance
The intricate tapestry of flavors that the 1990 Vieux Ch. Certan weaves transcends expectations built over my 40 years in wine criticism. It shows an arresting display of ripe berries, black cherries intertwined with truffle and earthy undertones—distinctive markers of the vineyard's unique terroir.
The growing season of 1990 served as a patron for winemakers, granting them sunshine and dry weather at crucial moments, allowing grapes to reach optimal maturity with high levels of concentrated sugar and preserved acidity. This harmonious development is reflected in the bottle—a balance struck between potency and poise.
Three decades on and the tannins in this Pomerol masterpiece have evolved into a velvety embrace that anchors its opulent fruit with an irrefutable finesse—an attribute that astute investors seek out due to its rarity.
A Vintage Worth Its Weight for Collectors
Investment-wise, laying down a Pomerol as illustrious as the 1990 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan not only signifies a tribute to one's private collection but also stands as a judicious equity decision. This vintage's capacity for graceful aging allows it to continue accruing value, an alluring prospect for those seeking diversification in fine wine assets.
In summation, the 1990 vintage from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan offers a sensorial narrative that unfolds elegantly with each passing year. For enthusiasts pivoting towards fine wine investment or longtime collectors expanding their Pomerol holdings, this vintage is nothing short of a prudent and palatable asset.
Market price (CAD)
$4,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
187.86
Scores and tasting notes
This was a very strong vintage for Vieux Chateau Certan. The 1990 reveals a deep garnet color to the rim along with a sweet bouquet of charcoal, licorice, roasted herbs, forest floor, and a meaty, truffle-like scent. A fleshy, full-bodied wine with exceptionally low acidity, plenty of melted tannin, and a long, layered finish, this beauty is close to full maturity, but it is in no danger of falling apart. It should keep for another 15+ years. Release price: ($590.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009
Tasted at the Bipin Desai's VCC vertical in Los Angeles. This has a slightly deeper colour than the '89 VCC. The nose is more powerful, although not as complex with blackberry, leathery, a faint hint of peppermint and pine. The palate is full-bodied with good structure, quite chewy and backward relative to other Pomerol 1990s. Bullish, perhaps gregarious VCC but still balanced with good acidity, never overpowering (well, VCC never is.) It has a grainy texture towards the weighty, glycerin-tinged finish with a hint of dried blood on the aftertaste. It is certainly a great 1990, although the 1989 is a classier affair. Drink now-2020. Tasted November 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013
The 1990 Vieux Château Certan is drinking exceptionally well at the moment, although it does not quite possess the charm of the 1989. There is more primary fruit here than the previous vintage: black cherries, iodine and boysenberry, mingling with clove and tarry aromas that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is similar depth here to the 1989 and yet the finish does not quite deliver the same delineation, although that cheeky dab of kirsch is pure delight. This is a great VCC, although I did notice that over a period of an hour, it fails to keep pace with the ever-meliorating 1989. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016