1995 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
1995 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Embarking upon a considered analysis of the 1995 Vieux Ch. Certan reveals a vintage that captures the essence of the Pomerol terroir with masterful prestige. The 1995 vintage from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan articulates a sublimity distinct to the year, carving a niche that invites fine wine investors to regard its unique position in the greater tapestry of Bordeaux excellence.
The Quintessence of 1995: A Vintage Reflection
In recollection, 1995 graced Bordeaux with conditions that nurtured grapes with both exemplary structure and beguiling aromatic profiles. The vintage reflects this equilibrium, presenting an opulence tempered by consummate poise. At their peak maturity now or holding promise for further grace with continued cellarage, the bottles of 1995 Vieux Ch. Certan exhibit a rich tapestry of flavours. They unfurl with notes of truffle, ripe plums, and hints of earthy tobacco—all heralded by an alluring nose that presages the expanse of complexities within.
A Midsummer’s Composure: The Merits of Moderation
The temperate season in 1995 stands as a testament to restraint and balance, sidestepping the heat spikes that mark other years. This resulted in berries at Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan that ripened with precision rather than speed—imbuing the resulting wine with both concentration and refined tannins that hint at longevity yet cherish immediate approachability.
For connoisseurs seeking to invest or extend their portfolio, the 1995 Vieux Ch. Certan emerges as a wise selection. With its mature stage revealing depths hidden to fledgling vintages, this wine encapsulates Pomerol's prowess in crafting varietals that resonate long after their blossoming forecast.
In closing, while no single review can fully encapsulate the brilliance therein, I assure sophisticated palates that the stature of this vintage warrants genuine intrigue and investment consideration. Its narrative is one not solely defined by its birth year but by how gracefully it has navigated the passage of time—a hallmark trait indicative of its investment potential and sensory reward.
Market price (HKD)
HK$20,480.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
164.62
Scores and tasting notes
This bottle is not quite in the same league as ones tasted two or three years ago, but the '95 remains one of Alexandre's standout wines of that decade. Here, it has a haunting bouquet whereby the Cabernet Franc component is more conspicuous than before, essentially with more Pomerol character developing. There are touches of blackberry, mint and cassis with a meaty element developing in the glass. The palate has plenty of sweet red cherry and boysenberry on the entry, the oak now completely absorbed and with a slightly unruly, almost Rioja-like finish! Hedonistic VCC! Drink 2017-2035. Tasted October 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2013
Frightful bottle variation left me perplexed about just where this wine fits in Bordeaux's qualitative hierarchy. I tasted the wine three times since bottling, all within a 14 day period. Twice the wine was extremely closed and firm, with an evolved plum/garnet color, high levels of tannin, sweet black currant, prune, and olive-tinged fruit, and astringent tannin in the medium-bodied finish. Those two bottles suggested the wine was in need of at least 5-7 years of cellaring, and would keep for two decades. The third bottle was atypically evolved, with a similar color, but it was far more open-knit, displaying Provencal herbs, black cherry, and cassis fruit in a medium-bodied, jammy, lush style. I expect marginal bottle variation, but while the quality was relatively the same in all three bottles, the forward, open-knit example left me puzzled. I will report again on this 1995 after further tastings.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998