2001 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2001 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The heralded 2001 vintage from Pomerol shines resplendently in the glass, a testament to the sterling efforts of Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan. This year encapsulates a period of beneficial weather patterns, which blessed the region with optimal ripening conditions—yielding grapes with balanced acidity, sugar, and phenolics essential for creating investment-worthy wines.
Vintage Virtuosity in a Liquid Form
The narrative of 2001 Pomerol is one filled with measured anticipation and eventual triumph. The season's temperate climate fostered a slow and even development across the vineyards. It is this restrained unfolding that imbued the wine from this particular year with its distinguished character—a character that has positively captivated investors and collectors over the years.
Pomerol's Precise Elegance
The 2001 Vieux Ch. Certan expresses a refined elegance—a hallmark of the region—merging depth and complexity with bewitching gentility. Swirling in the glass, it unveils rich aromas of black cherries and ripe plums that seamlessly dovetail with whispers of truffle and moist earth—a nod to Pomerol's illustrious terroir.
In terms of palate, there is a voluptuous integration of fruit and tannins; it dances gracefully between power and poise. The merlot's plushness is exquisitely framed by cabernet franc's structure, revealing an opulent tapestry threaded with tertiary notes indicative of maturation—a nuanced symphony undeniably harmonious to those attuned to fine vintages.
The allure of investing in such a storied vintage as the 2001 from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan lies not only in its sumptuous drinking experience but also in its proven longevity and consistent appreciation over time. Taking pride of place in any collection, this wine exemplifies the wisdom of Pomerol pursuit for the sophisticated investor.
A Connoisseur’s Chronicle
The passage of time has only served to underscore the 2001 Vieux Ch. Certan's enchantment; it is a stunning narrative bottled at its denouement. With each uncorking, this vintage continues to lay forth an irresistibly persuasive argument for its rightful position at the zenith of fine wine investment from the esteemed Bordeaux region.
Market price (USD)
$2,880.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
147.5
Scores and tasting notes
This wine possess great beauty, it is almost Burgundian with its soft tannins and sweet fruit. Pure class and finesse in this, it is round and thick, long and very yummy. No need to wait on this, pull the cork. This vintage had more Merlot than the 2000 and you can tell. A subtle wine.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012
A brilliant effort from Alexandre Thienpont, this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc is a deep purple-colored, fleshy, layered effort offering a sweet nose of creosote, incense, Christmas spices, plenty of red and black fruits, and hints of licorice as well as new oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with tremendous purity in addition to nobility, give it two more years of cellaring and drink it over the next following 15-18 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2004
Tasted from bottle at Mark Walford’s annual lunch at Waterside Inn. Alexandre described 2001 as a “merlot year” and certainly on the nose the oak is not becoming fully enmeshed. There is plenty of succulent red berry fruit that has a candied sweetness and precocity that is perhaps not the typical character you expect apropos VCC. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins lending the ‘01 a rigid structure and there is certainly superior tension compared to the ‘02 and lovely tobacco-infused red fruits and spice towards the long finish. This Pomerol appears to be on an upward curve. Tasted May 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013