Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol, 2013
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 2013 Vieux Chateau Certan has a medium garnet color, with a touch of brick. The nose opens with notions of prunes, raisin cake, and dried herbs, giving way to hints of leather and incense. The medium-bodied palate delivers a good amount of mature fruit, with chewy tannins and a firm, earthy finish.
The 2013 Vieux-Château-Certan has one of the most attractive aromatics amongst the Pomerol intake, red fruit and briary, light floral scents, air and demonstrating more delineation than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, more fruit concentration than the preceding La Fleur-Pétrus, with more energy on the finish that exerts a light grip. One not to overlook. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.
At Vieux Chateau Certan, production of the top wine fell by 75% in this vintage, after extreme selection by owner Alexandre Thienpont. At 10 years old, it retains a dark ruby colour and shows balance and grace, centred around cold ash, undergrowth and remnants of charred blackberry fruit studded with pomegranate and spice. Has appeal, very much in its drinking window. 23hl/h yield.