Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 98
Composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Vieux Chateau Certan sports a deep garnet-purple color. No mincing about, the bouquet absolutely prances out of the glass with stunning scents of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, roses and eucalyptus over a core of black plum preserves, mulberries, black raspberries and blueberry pie plus wafts of licorice, iron ore and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic balance and expression, with very fine-grained, silt-like tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with epic length and perfume.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2063
JancisRobinson.com 18
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Dried cherry and leathery spice on the nose here. Kirsch. Full bodied but keeping some restraint. Powerful – smoky, rich – and yet highly refined. Underneath this sweetness are cooler hedgerow, graphite and cedar tones. Mouth-coating, chewy tannins provide a deep and dense structure. This is earthy but has really good drive. Long and expansive. (TP)
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2040
Vinous 98
Just as it was en primeur, the 2017 Vieux Château Certan is regal and soaring right out of the glass. Inky blue and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice, lavender, spice and mint come together in a dense, dark and powerful Pomerol. The 2017 is an explosive, vivid wine of monastic beauty. In this vintage, VCC is especially dark and somber, which adds to a real feeling of mysterious beauty. It is a towering achievement from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047
The Wine Independent 98
“Gothic wine” was the comment of Alexandre Thienpont on the 2017 vintage of Vieux Chateau Certan. The blend this year is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and the color is deep garnet-purple. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up notes of Morello cherries, black raspberries, tar, and licorice, with emerging scents of plum preserves, black truffles, and crushed rocks, plus a hint of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly knit with loads of densely wound layers and fantastic freshness, supported by very fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral-laced. It should be very long lived!
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055
