Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol, 2017

Name: Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol
Brand: Vieux Château Certan
Price: 911.12 GBP

Available Vintages

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justerini & brooks tasting note

Alexandre Thienpont described 2017 as a normal growing season with no excess heat, drought and cool nights; he then quipped that they were half a degree from catastrophe at the end of April… Typically understated… A classic VCC with a beautifully polished fragrant profile. Produced from 81% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As ever, the Cabernets add a wonderful florality to the bouquet. This is really brimming with noble Cabernet aromas of cassis, violets and minerals. The palate is plush and broad with a fleshiness to the fruit and crunchy black berries. We say it every year, but this is a jolly handsome Pomerol, a really coiffured, stylish example with effortless length and immaculately managed tannins. As with many of the best 2017s, there is this wonderful freshness (3.4pH) and an engaging salinity on the finish with makes the mouth water. Splendid!

critic reviews

96/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2017 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 12. This has a perfumed and quite floral bouquet with blackberries and violets. It shows lovely definition and mineralité, that hint of wild heather coming through but none of the previous menthol scents. The palate is exceptionally well-balanced with chiseled tannins, which are a perfect bead of acidity. I adore how this gathers momentum towards the lightly spiced, persistent finish. This shows better than when I tasted it just after bottling six years ago, hence my higher score. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium.

DRINKING WINDOW 2027 - 2060

date of review 07/2024