Vieux Château Certan is once again one of the must buy wines of the vintage. Over the past decade, VCC has consistently ranked amongst our, and many critics’ choices for best in show. Unsurprisingly, Alexandre and Guillaume have achieved the same honour with their 2021. Described by Neal Martin as “pure class” and a “spectacular tour de force” by Antonio Galloni, we were equally enthused. This is a perfect marriage of Merlot texture and Cabernet aromas. The ensemble is spectacular, a wine that builds and flourishes gradually, revealing layers of flavours, enticing the senses and gripping one’s attention. As Mr Galloni asserts, anyone who “can find the 2021 should not hesitate, as it is truly magical.” As ever with VCC, we expect demand to outstrip supply, so please contact your account manager if you would like to submit for an allocation.
“The 2021 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 24 to October 6 at 38hL/ha and registers 13.2% alcohol. It is a VCC defined by its Cabernets; Guillaume Thienpont told me ]they used all they had. "I would have blended more if we had more vines," he quipped. The nose unfurls with air to reveal graphite-infused black fruit, touches of undergrowth and tobacco – quintessential VCC aromatics. The palate is beautifully balanced with exquisite definition, not powerful and certainly not opulent, yet built around finesse, precision and charm. It seems to grow in stature in the glass. Pure class. 95-97/100” – Neal Martin, vinous.com
Read More"The 2021 Vieux Château Certan is a spectacular tour de force from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont. What a wine. Vibrant and magnificent in its precision, the 2021 races across the palate, revealing seemingly endless layers of nuance over time. Dark blue/purplish fruit, cinnamon, new leather, graphite, lavendar and crushed rocks all build effortlessly. The Cabernets are dialed up in 2021 and that comes through in the wine's flavour profile and overall feel. The purity of the flavours is just mind-bending. Harvest took place between September 25 and October 4. The blend is 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Readers who can find the 2021 should not hesitate, as it is truly magical. 96-98/100" - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com