2006 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2006 Vieux Ch. Certan from Château Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of vinous excellence, Pomerol stands as a beacon of sumptuous Merlot-led blends, and nestled within its emerald landscape is the resplendent Château Vieux Ch. Certan. A vintage as enticing as the 2006 Vieux Ch. Certan aptly demonstrates why connoisseurs and investors cherish this estate's offerings, serving as exemplars of enological alchemy.
Nuance and Nobility: A Vintage to Remember
The 2006 vintage in Bordeaux was, by all accounts, a year of contrasts—challenging weather patterns conjured a narrative of struggle and eventual triumph. The wines emerging from this season possess a complexity borne of adversity, ensuring the 2006 Vieux Ch. Certan remains a highlight amongst its prestigious lineage.
The wine greets the nose with an assemblage of blackberry compote and truffle, layered with subtle hints of violet and an earthy minerality unique to the revered terroir of Pomerol. On the palate, one can discern the noble tannins moulded by that capricious year; they dance elegantly with fruit that is expressive yet retains an alluring restraint—a testament to the deft craftsmanship at Château Vieux Ch. Certan.
An Investment in Liquid Artistry
Delving deeper into its oeuvre, it's apparent how the 2006 offering from Château Vieux Ch. Certan distinguishes itself within a robust portfolio of vintages. Matured most gracefully, it presents investors with an intriguing opportunity—one where pedigree and potential converge splendidly.
As with fine art, time has graced this wine with additional layers of texture and complexity; providing ample evidence to those considering the inclusion of the 2006 Vieux Ch. Certan in their investment folio. Critical acclaim aligns convening wisdom that this particular artefact from Pomerol is reaching a period of optimal expression.
To summarise, the 2006 Vieux Ch. Certan radiates not only the intrinsic value dictated by its birthplace but stands on its own merit as an evocative reminiscence of vintage variation in Bordeaux. Both seasoned collectors and astute newcomers would do well to ponder its place amidst their curated arrays, as it promises to unfurl further depth and subtlety with each ensuing year.
Market price (GBP)
£1,790.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
111.88
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Farr Vintners' horizontal, the 2006 Vieux Château Certan remains an outstanding proposition. It has an airy red cherry and raspberry bouquet, a hint of bergamot tea in the background, succinctly defined, even if the fruit needs some encouragement from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. The acidity is well judged, harmonious in the mouth, quite smooth with hints of truffle oil and white pepper towards the composed, quite sensual finish. Give this a couple of more years in bottle and then it should drink well for at least a couple of decades. Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
One of the top wines of the vintage is the exquisite 2006 Vieux Chateau Certan. A blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, it is a stunningly rich effort boasting an inky/blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of forest floor, coffee, toast, and extravagant levels of black currants and blackberries. Hints of charcoal and flowers add to the wine’s exquisite character. What’s remarkable in this full-bodied wine is that nearly 100% new oak is used, yet the oak is largely drowned out by the wine’s concentration and complex personality. This full-bodied Vieux Chateau Certan should be reasonably approachable in 3-4 years but last for at least three decades. This great success merits kudos to proprietor Alexandre Thienpont.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The VCC ’06 is open an expressive on the nose with bright red-berried fruit, redcurrant, cranberry, orange zest and crushed stones. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, good acidity with very focused and poised on the long finish that unfurls beautifully with aeration. There is such a surfeit of finesse and joie-de-vivre. Beautiful wine from Alexandre Thienpont. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010
I love the texture here. This is really impressive for 2006, which is a good but not great vintage. Blackberries, dark chocolate, and lightly roasted oak. Full-bodied, yet holding back with great finesse and strength. Pull the cork in 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012