Vieux Chateau Certan

2013

Vinous 90-93: The 2013 Vieux Chateau Certan is a wine of extraordinary finesse and elegance. Blue and purplish-toned fruits, violets, lavender, sweet spices and mint are woven together in a fabric of stunning beauty. The 2013 is translucent, weightless and simply impeccable throughout. Clearly, the structure is that of an average year, but the sheer beauty is that of a superb site. There is so much to like here.

2020

Wine Advocate 97: A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Vieux Château Certan bursts with aromas of blackberries, sweet spices, rose petals, orange zest, burning embers and violets framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's rich and layered, with a more broad, unctuous profile than the pure and refined 2019, concluding with a long, resonant finish. This is more immediate out of the gates than the 2019, and I suspect it will not prove quite as long lived, but it is a terrific effort from the Thienpont family.

James Suckling 99: Real Pomerol here with black berry, chocolate, hazelnut and walnut aromas and flavors. Dark fruits. Crushed stone. It’s full and intense with great focus. Powerful yet so balanced and intense. Juicy center palate. Fantastic length. Great clarity.

Wine Enthusiast 97: This wine has a surprising amount of Merlot in the blend for the estate. That gives richness and density to a wine that is already structured and stylish. The dense texture promises long-term aging.