2010 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2010 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the tapestry of Bordeaux's illustrious landscape, the Pomerol region weaves its narrative with compelling dignity. Illuminating this tableau is the 2010 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, a paragon embodying the apotheosis of winemaking virtuosity in one of Bordeaux's most exceptional vintages.
A Vintage Defined by Distinction
The 2010 vintage in Pomerol was marked by near-perfect climatic serendipity: a cool spring followed by gradual warming and impeccable summer bloom set the stage for grapes with unparalleled balance. The fruit maturity and phenolic ripeness were attained in almost celestial synchrony, infusing the resulting wine with a profundity observed only once in a generation.
Synthesising Elegance and Investment Merit
On the palate, the 2010 Vieux Ch. Certan exudes an eloquent tapestry of tannin and terroir. Remarkable density offers investors a substance that promises a burgeoning evolution over decades. Notes of black truffle, ripe plum, and a whisper of violets offer testimony to a vintage where everything seemed to fall splendidly into place. The texture—silken yet assertive—is a sovereign signature of this extraordinary vintage. Indeed, for those who revel in the patience of cellaring and observe the rhythmic march of maturity with anticipation, this wine is poised to reward investment both pecuniary and sensory.
An exemplar of complexity and poise, the 2010 Vieux Ch. Certan is a noble illustration that garners attention among fine wine aficionados and serious investors alike. To savor this wine is to embrace an experience that will echo through time as one of Pomerol's historical pinnacles—a landmark vintage from an esteemed chateau that perennially enchants the palates and portfolios of those discerning enough to indulge.
Encapsulation: Celebrating Singular Splendour
The resonance and richness underpinning the 2010 Vieux Ch. Certan reveal a vintage imbued with distinction and pedigree—a true reflections of viticultural artistry at its zenith. As this remarkable harvest matures gracefully, it continues to set benchmarks for excellence not only in Pomerol but throughout Bordeaux's celebrated communes.
Market price (USD)
$3,720.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
152.5
Scores and tasting notes
A perfect wine with perfect purity of fruit. It shows gorgeous aromas of blackberries, currants and cedar with hints of chocolate. Full body, with a lovely sweetness of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes to chocolate, hazelnut and spices. Nutmeg too. Sexy and incredible. It has so much depth of fruit and density. Better in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 3rd 2013
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020
The 2010 Vieux Chateau Certan, a blend of 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Production was lower than in 2009 and the alcohol slightly higher, but the pH is 3.7, which is surprisingly reasonable given the lofty power and alcoholic clout this full-bodied wine possesses. Dense purple-colored , the 2010 displays a vivid yet astonishing array of spice box, red, blue and black fruits, crushed rock and spring flowers. The oak is well-concealed behind the lavish concentration and richness. Exceptionally pure, this unbelievable wine flirts with perfection. Unfortunately, there is 20% less of it than in 2009, and the tannins warrant a good 8-10 years of cellaring, as I suspect it could actually close down. This is another 40- to 50-year effort in 2010 that should elicit considerable interest from wine consumers. Thienpont thinks he has produced three wines - 2008, 2009 and 2010 - that are the greatest trilogy in the history of Vieux Chateau Certan, rivaling what this estate did in 1947, 1948 and 1949.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
The 2010 was, as Alexandre mentioned, a “merlot” year and there is 25% less Cabernet Franc in the blend. If I am being truly honest (and that has got me into a lot of trouble this year) I am missing that component on the nose. For sure, it has wonderful purity and focus, subtle raspberry and cranberry notes that are incredibly well defined, but I just miss that edginess that the Cabernet Franc imparts. Still, I cannot deny there is superb minerality here. The palate is quite broody on the entry: good density, a little softer than I expected, but with lovely spicy notes intertwined in the black, slightly tarry fruit. It is a little “gawky” after bottling so it will gain more harmony and composure. The finish is masculine, typical of the vintage, with a long tertiary aftertaste. Very fine...of course. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013