Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 93-96
The 2025 Vieux Chateau Certan is not in the mood to show all its cards. Today, the 2025 shows tons of textural richness and body, but not quite the delineation or energy of the best vintages. Black-toned fruit, gravel, incense, mocha and chocolate are generous in the glass. Ripeness feels pushed to the edge, with fruit perhaps picked a bit later than ideal. But this is a barrel sample, with the wine racked just three weeks prior to my visit. I won’t be surprised if this shows better from bottle, but today, this is my impression.
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2075
Neal Martin 95-97
The 2025 Vieux Chateau Certan was picked from September 8 to 15 at 22 hl/ha and includes two conjoining parcels normally used for the La Gravette. It is raised in two-thirds new oak, the remainder one-year-old. The Merlot sculpts the bouquet with perfumed red cherries, raspberry, cassis and pressed violet scents that gain intensity in the glass. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, with powdery tannins on the entry. This must be one of the most peppery VCCs that I have tasted, poivre noir from the Cabernet Franc component. Quite structured, with chalky tannins on the finish, almost as if it came from more limestone soil. Not a crowd pleaser like the 2022, but an intellectual, vertical VCC that will flesh out in barrel. 14.01% alcohol.
Anticipated maturity: 2033-2060
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 22 hl/ha. Cask sample.Fragrant and floral, the Cabernet amplifying the aroma. Tannins abundant but like cashmere in texture. Lively and invigorating with plenty of energy. (JL)
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2055
