Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol, 2011
Alexandre Thienpont says that 'Cabernet Franc is back with a bang in 2011'. After two vintages where Vieux Chateau Certan's wonderful old vine Cabernets were barely used, 29% of the blend is Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 70% Merlot this year. Analytically impressive with an IPT of 83 and a pH of 3.6, the real proof is in the tasting, and this is a real beauty. Intensely perfumed, with hints of demure bramble fruit, violets, herbs and cool berries, this is as seductive as it gets. Noble flavours abound; the Cabernet certainly gives this definition, poise and savoury charm that sets it apart from the other top wines in the appellation. Alexandre likens this exquisite VCC to his 2000 vintage for its tannic balance and age-worthiness. A wonderful effort and one of our selections from the right bank.
critic reviews
The 2011 Vieux Château Certan, which the Thienponts compare to 1983 and 1988, has a much lighter, simpler bouquet compared to the previous vintage. Maybe a bit conservative with tobacco-tinged black fruit, though it opens nicely with shavings of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, firm tannins that frame the black fruit laced with cracked black pepper and graphite. Vibrant and vivacious, this is drinking well but has the substance to age in bottle. A dark horse! Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium.