Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 1998 Vieux Château Certan saw both the Merlot and Cabernet reaching maturity early and, unusually, around the same time due to the Cabernet Franc suffering during the drought. Ergo, the blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest was September 21 to 26 and cropped at 34hl/ha. The bouquet is far superior to the 1996, as you would expect, quite vivacious and sensual black cherry and raspberry fruit, touches of wild mint, though it becomes pretty Bretty in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, fresh and lively, with fine grip with a crunchy blackberry, tar and allspice finish. This might actually constitute the best bottle of the 1998 that I have tasted. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
— a month ago

Brooke Gannon

9.1

90% Merlot and 10% cab franc but the cab franc is really showing here. Very herbal with roasted jalapeño on the finish. — 2 years ago

with Joseph

Bruce Leboff

9.3

Fragrant - elegant fruit and floral nose. Decanted and opened up nicely after 90 mins. Caressing tannins and long elegant finish. Lovely wine. — 4 years ago

with David

Akira Arroyo

9.0

Fruity on the nose and dry on the palate. Goes well with a white fish. — 3 months ago

with Jorge

Влад Чернобай

10

Sweet and fruity — 8 months ago

Katie

9.3

Great for the price! — 4 years ago

Karen

8.9

Don’t think organic. March/April/May 2024. Bought for office, finished at home. — 4 months ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.1

90-95 , found it hard to score, probably drink from 2030-2035…🤔 — 6 months ago

Deborah Lyman

9.3

So good. Smooth, cherries, hint of smokiness. Definitely dark fruits are present. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Tried this 2x recently. Wow! Ruby with complex fruit aromas, spice and oak. Blend of 90% Tempranillo & 10% Graciano, 48 mos on American oak. On the palate ripe Berry fruits, powerful yet elegant, with spice & smoky earthy notes on full tannins. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with mineral earthy tones and cigar box spice, a joy to Sip!! Tasting great, has more aging potential, try in 10+ years! Great Value! — 4 years ago