2015 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2015 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux, there are certain years that resonate with oenophiles and investors alike, and 2015 stands proudly amongst them. The wines from this auspicious vintage are touted for both their immediate charm and potential longevity—a balance exquisitely struck by the 2015 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan.
A Vintage Graced by Providence
The growing season leading to the harvest was almost serendipitous, with a warm June facilitating flowering, a dry and sunny August perfecting veraison, and a September with just enough rain to foster maturation without dilution. Then came October's benevolence which allowed for unhurried picking—translating into a poised collection of berries ready for transformation.
The Palette of Pomerol: The Terroir Speaks
The 2015 incarnation from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan is a masterstroke showcase of Pomerol's iron-rich clay and the gravel terroir. Its unique blend—principally Merlot (with a touch of Cabernet Franc)—presents an alluring tableau of sumptuous dark fruit led by plums and blackberries that interplay with whispers of truffle, violets, and a hint of dark chocolate to create a complex aromatic symphony.
On the palate, the vintage reveals its true virtuosity: structured yet silken tannins sponsor an imposing yet impeccably balanced frame—one that promises considerable ageing potential for those inclined towards long-term wine investment—a noteworthy aspect if approached as a liquid asset.
The 2015 Vieux Ch. Certan articulates its story within the glass; one of climatic fortune mingled indelibly with human artistry—a tale that commands attention from connoisseurs and collectors to enrich both their cellar and portfolio.
Savouring Excellence: A Connoisseur’s Chronicle
In review, the 2015 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan does more than just capture an extraordinary moment in Pomerol's history; it epitomises Bordeaux's ability to deliver wines that are as compelling financially as they are sensorially. Opening a bottle now would unveil layers of hedonistic pleasure, while cellaring it promises even richer dividends—both gustatorily and financially—as this sophisticated investment wine matures towards its apogee.
Market price (SGD)
$4,210.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
132.63
Scores and tasting notes
A powerful and rich wine with super concentration and length. Deep and very rich. Glorious blackberry and black chocolate. Full and super velvety. A creamy texture of stone, chalk and lemon rind from the tannins and acidity. Wow. Loving it. The caressing character is so memorable. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2015 Vieux Château Certan is a blend of 80% Merlot,, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, cropped between September 17 and October 2 at 42 hectoliters per hectare. The IPT is healthy 83 and the pH is 3.72, the alcohol 14.6%. Enough statistics. What you need to know is that it is a beguiling Pomerol that will set hearts aflutter. It is bridled with a heavenly bouquet with intense red and black fruit, black truffle and a touch of smoke, opening wonderfully in the glass; the Cabernet Franc is very expressive and imparting a licorice note after ten minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with intensity, with a killer line of acidity that imparts freshness from the very start. There is life-affirming tension interwoven throughout this extremely complex wine from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont. There are layers, more like a mille-feuille of blackberry, boysenberry, mineral, truffle and a touch of spice towards the finish, just a touch of warmth from the alcohol that merely complements an extraordinary and profound Pomerol.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Blended of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Vieux Chateau Certan opens with profound notes of blueberry compote, dried mulberries, black forest cake, licorice, violets and garrigue with wafts of black truffles, sandalwood and rose hips. Medium to full-bodied, very earthy/savory and beautifully layered with very plush yet present tannins, it offers lovely freshness and a very long minerally finish. So very Pomerol!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 27 April 2018
Like 2010, but with better Cabernet Franc - is how Alexandre Thienpoint describes his wine. It’s certainly an impressive Pomerol, but I preferred the former vintage. This is flirting with over-ripeness at 14.6% alcohol, but has the richness, fine tannins and fruit weight to cope. Sweet, dense and a little figgy with the Cabernet Franc providing an undertone of leafy freshness. Drink: 2022-35
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
Highest alcohol ever: 14.6%. 4,500 cases. Very intense nose with strong mineral notes - lots of Cabernet Franc influence. Massive impact with really luscious ripe fruit but massive tannins too. Very satiny initially but underneath there is massive tannin. Lovely fragrant top note. Beautifully married. Very sophisticated and with many layers. All vineyard not winemaking. Very savoury - very unlike Merlot stereotype.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com