Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol, 1995
Will he, won't he, well Alexandre Thienpont finally decided he would, and jolly good news it is to for fans of VCC. There was never any question of quality, Alexandre never compromises on that, it was a question of yields. Alexandre refers to 2013 as a 'memorable' vintage and one that he will probably be very glad never to see again. It is widely documented that it was a challenging year, but an intensified program of de-leafing and bunch selection in August proved vital to quality. There will be roughly 1000 cases produced from yields of 22 hl/ha. The final blend is 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Perfumed, floral, Merlot fruit bouquet. Texturally, this is as suave as ever. Gorgeous, pure, opulent fruit cascades over the palate. This is gourmand, packed with sweet cranberries, fine herbs, kirsch, alpine strawberries and plums. Mouth-watering, velvety and utterly moreish. A stunning wine.
critic reviews
The 1995 Vieux Château Certan is a very capable wine that is now reaching its peak. The Cabernet Franc has always been the key component, imparting a lovely ferrous, undergrowth note on the nose that neatly counterbalances the intense red and black fruit laced with mint. The palate is ripe and generous with kirsch and red plum, quite saturated and maybe even "glossy". Maybe my one criticism is the toastiness of the oak on the finish that lends it a Rioja-like personality, but otherwise this is very fine. Taken from the Pomerol book authored by Neal Martin.