2018 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2018 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The fabled terroir of Pomerol delivered a remarkably distinctive expression in its 2018 vintage, particularly encapsulated by the esteemed 2018 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan. Reflecting upon this vintage uniquely honed by both nature and nurturing hands, one cannot but laud the stupendous alchemy at play.
The Exquisite Fusion: Nature's Force with Artisanal Prowess
The clime of 2018 was a characterful dance of extremes, with dramatic fluctuations harmoniously counterpointing the region's innate vining rhythm. A cool spring gave way to a generous summer sun, enlisting precise grape selection as our vigneron's most trusted manoeuvre.
The fruits of their impeccably-timed harvest now rest in the glass; the 2018 Vieux Ch. Certan exudes a tapestry of vibrant ruby hues, woven with threads of dark fruit perfumes and nuanced complex balsamic whispers. Here lies an exemplary marriage of precision viticulture with astute vinification.
Colossal yet Caressing: A Pomerol to Invest In
On the palate, a substantial frame of tannins ensconces an opulent core of plums and cherries clothed in velvety textures—a veritable testament to this distinct vintage. Subtle swirls of truffle, cigar box, and fresh soil unearth themselves upon decantation, revealing the multifaceted personality inherent to this splendid patchwork of vineyards.
Viniculturally, 2018 yielded concentrated berries laden with ample tannins; thus bespoke the decision to harness their potential through measured oak maturation - and not a moment overdone. The effect? A beckoning longevity that serenades collectors with whispers of prodigious development potential nestled within each bottle.
In conclusion, for wine investment connoisseurs avidly perusing portfolios for blue-chip acquisitions, the extraordinary climatic narrative of 2018 has imbued the Vieux Ch. Certan with a poised grandeur. It nimbly traverses the most discerning palate's desires – to enshrine an age-worthy treasure – making it undoubtedly one of this vintage year's crown jewels.
Market price (CAD)
$3,500.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
110.53
Scores and tasting notes
This is a significant VCC with masses of fruit and juicy tannins. It’s fresh, but impresses you with the rich and powerful fruit. A tower of a wine. Incredible depth and density. Thick and muscular. It is 30 per cent cabernet franc, the rest merlot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
This is complex, precise and concentrated but tempered with stunning potential. There is so much flavour and juice here with crushed tobacco and liquorice root alongside richly textured raspberry and blueberry fruits - all extremely well balanced and yet reaching down into the depths promising great ageing. A VCC that is full of layers, with the beauty of this vintage making them all relatively discernible even at this early stage because the tannins are not balled together but allow the light in between. An excellent year for Cabernet Franc, which always favours this estate - owner Alexandre Thienpont said that they weren’t just useful but essential this year, giving freshness and focus to the hedonism of the Merlots, and dampening down the alcohols. No press wine in the blend as yet, and not sure if they will use it. A yield of 40hl/ha. 98-100 points.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with 14.4% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 77. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is locked down tight at this youthful stage, requiring a lot of patient swirling to release a profound powerhouse of a perfume: preserved plums, blueberry compote, ripe black cherries and boysenberries, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, lilacs, espresso and licorice, plus a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has an amazing sense of cohesiveness. There are no edges to the seamless flow of exquisitely fine-grained tannins and perfectly knit acidity, beautifully framing the blue and black fruits, which are at once elegant and also so, so rich. It finishes with many slowly lapping waves of minerals and exotic spices, which just go on and on. It is a wine that is, simply put, an experience not to be missed. Give it a good 6-8 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 30 years or more.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a pH of 3.78, 14.4% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 77. Medium to deep garnet-purple—it has a very vibrant color—it drifts effortlessly out of the glass with wonderfully intense, beautifully delineated scents of red roses, black raspberries, kirsch and Darjeeling tea before the powerful, profound black fruits kick in: baked plums, wild blueberries, molten licorice and mulberries with touches of cigar box, cinnamon stick, tapenade and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, densely packed and revealing layer upon layer of red and black fruits with an incredible array of floral and spicy sparks, it has a high level of super ripe, incredibly fine, velvety soft tannins and fantastic freshness (not just from acid but from bright, crunchy fruit). It finishes very long, marvelously layered and with such jaw-dropping brightness from the fruit, the end is almost electric. Incredible.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is a very pretty wine built more on elegance, finesse and aromatic nuance. Relative to the recent past, the 2018 shows a much more mid-weight structure and less of the creaminess of either 2015 or 2016. Much of that is attributable to a blend that includes 30% Cabernet Franc. Lavender, rose petal, mint and blueberry fruit all grace the 2018. Far from an obvious wine, the 2018 is going to need a number of years to be at its best, as it is a wine of total understatement and class. Fine beads of tannin support the understated finish. In 2018, VCC is a wine of refinement and subtlety more than anything else. I don't see the same visceral thrill as in a number of vintages of the recent past. Perhaps that will come in bottle.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019