2012 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2012 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2012 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan presents itself as a vintage of remarkable distinction within the illustrious tapestry of Pomerol’s vibrant narratives. The year 2012 was characterised by climatic whimsy, challenging the vineyards in Bordeaux with a capricious start, followed by a resolute summer that bestowed grace upon the ripening grapes.
Linking Terroir to Taste: A Discerning Investor's Palate
Forged in the fire of such fluctuating weather, this wine opens up opulently, revealing the masterful adaption that defines Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan’s profound understanding of their terroir. The 2012 vintage yields an intricate bouquet wherein plums and cherries find companionship with subtle truffle undertones and a flirtation of violets, all underpinned by refined tannins that promise longevity and suggest a laudable evolution for those invested in the prospects of fine wine maturity.
A Vintage Reflecting Resilience and Elegance
As an emblem of its resilience and propensity for elegance, the 2012 Vieux Ch. Certan carries its fruit with a discreet power; here lies a blend that stands out for its structure and depth despite the vicissitudes of its year. The consummate balance between Merlot’s plushness and Cabernet Franc’s aromatic lift lends this wine an air of composed sophistication that becomes more compelling with each passing year.
The palate resonates with a tapestry woven from threads of dark fruits and earthy complexities, complemented by a finish that whispers of cloves and anise, making for a vintage which is as introspective as it is commanding in its presentation.
In sum, this 2012 offering from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan encapsulates the rigour and resilience intrinsic to Pomerol's most noteworthy vintages. It stands as a testament to why investors keep their cellars enriched with such staples - not only do they capture the essence and variations bestowed upon them by nature and nurture alike, but they represent sagacious investments maturing with assured dignity.Market price (GBP)
£1,611.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
100.69
Scores and tasting notes
This is a Merlot year for Alexandre and his son Guillaume: the 2012 a blend o 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and just 1% Cabernet Sauvignon (the latter due to a parcel being replanted at the moment.) The nose is very well defined and lively, real “energy” coming from the glass. There are crisp scents of blackcurrant, wild strawberry and a tangible stoniness – very expressive of its terroir. The palate is superb: real tension and purity here, crisp acidity, tensile tannins that lend this VCC edginess and race. The fruit is black rather than red with a sense of poise and superbly assimilated oak on the nervous finish. What a great Pomerol for the vintage! Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Vieux Château Certan has a potent, smoke, cooked meat, Cabernet Franc-scented bouquet that is beautifully defined—quintessentially Pomerol. You want typicité? Come right here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite gentle as it sashays across the mouth. The acidity is very well judged and leads to an elegant tobacco tinged finish. Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont have produced one of the finest wines of the Right Bank in 2012, one that is up there with the greats. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
A dense VCC with beautiful fruit of chocolate, blackberries, blueberries. Full body and velvety, with lovely richness and balanced. So juicy and yummy already. A round and voluptuous young red. One of the top wines of the vintage but not quite 2011 VCC, which benefited from outstanding Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
A top success, the 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is composed of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep mulberry, plum and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with touches of graphite and subtle smoke lead to a medium-bodied wine with beautiful intensity, well-integrated oak, a velvety opulence and a long, impressively pure finish. A strong effort, it should drink well for 15 or more years. Alexander Thienpont continues to turn out brilliant wines from this property situated on the high Plateau of Pomerol. The harvest took place between October 1 and 11, producing 33 hectoliters per hectare. The 2012 achieved 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.8 and an index of polyphenols as high as the 2010, which was somewhat surprising. It is not nearly as powerful or rich as the 2010 or the 2009. All the old vine parcels of Merlot made it into the final blend.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206