Vieux Château Certan
La Gravette de Certan Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
This was my Coravin test. It wasn’t ready a number yrs ago. I put it back in the cellar lying on its side. It survived pleasantly. Did not decant.
2004 not the best Bordeaux vintage but there it was in the store reasonably priced. So, I bought this one. Always curious. The 2nd wine from one of my favorite Right Bank producers, Vieux Chateau Certan. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.
The nose shows ripe & slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets.
The palate has M rounded, dry tannins. The fruits are ripe, juicy, ruby/lush & slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices w/ heat, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, dark chocolate baking bar to pudding, mocha, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, some volcanic minerals, hints of menthol, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets, beautiful acidity with a smartly polished, elegant finish that has length, balance & tone that lasts nearly two-minutes.
Moved between 90-92. Ended 92. Enjoyed w/ a medium rare plus Ribcap. Has another 7-10 yrs of road ahead.
This was my Coravin test. It wasn’t ready a number yrs ago. I put it back in the cellar lying on its side. It survived pleasantly. Did not decant.
2004 not the best Bordeaux vintage but there it was in the store reasonably priced. So, I bought this one. Always curious. The 2nd wine from one of my favorite Right Bank producers, Vieux Chateau Certan. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.
The nose shows ripe & slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets.
The palate has M rounded, dry tannins. The fruits are ripe, juicy, ruby/lush & slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices w/ heat, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, dark chocolate baking bar to pudding, mocha, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, some volcanic minerals, hints of menthol, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets, beautiful acidity with a smartly polished, elegant finish that has length, balance & tone that lasts nearly two-minutes.
Moved between 90-92. Ended 92. Enjoyed w/ a medium rare plus Ribcap. Has another 7-10 yrs of road ahead.
Still one of the best second wines out there, this has more cab, both sauv (10% or so and is usually the only one to get it) and franc. Mostly mature and tertiary notes, some primary cherries and currants, coffee and toast accents. Should hold in this spot for a few years as it inches towards full maturity. Med+ nose and palate, tannin smooth are fine medium grain at this point, long persistent and elegant finish.
Still one of the best second wines out there, this has more cab, both sauv (10% or so and is usually the only one to get it) and franc. Mostly mature and tertiary notes, some primary cherries and currants, coffee and toast accents. Should hold in this spot for a few years as it inches towards full maturity. Med+ nose and palate, tannin smooth are fine medium grain at this point, long persistent and elegant finish.
Jan 2nd, 2023
Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2010 “La Gravette de Certan” pours a deep ruby, almost purple color with some fine sediment. Gorgeous aromas of ripe brambles, plums, purple flowers, cocoa, graphite minerals and baking spices. That palate is treated to a luxurious silken blanket of flavor with ample fruit that is deftly balanced by minerals, earth and a gentle kiss of spices. The structure, which is wonderfully integrated, props everything up. The finish is long and effortlessly charming. This is classic Pomerol. Even though this is the second wine of VCC, it’s treated like (and drinks like) it’s one of the great wines of the appellation. Everyone who shared this bottle tonight was completely smitten. Drinking so well now and should continue to do so for at least another 5-10 years…but no reason to wait.
Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2010 “La Gravette de Certan” pours a deep ruby, almost purple color with some fine sediment. Gorgeous aromas of ripe brambles, plums, purple flowers, cocoa, graphite minerals and baking spices. That palate is treated to a luxurious silken blanket of flavor with ample fruit that is deftly balanced by minerals, earth and a gentle kiss of spices. The structure, which is wonderfully integrated, props everything up. The finish is long and effortlessly charming. This is classic Pomerol. Even though this is the second wine of VCC, it’s treated like (and drinks like) it’s one of the great wines of the appellation. Everyone who shared this bottle tonight was completely smitten. Drinking so well now and should continue to do so for at least another 5-10 years…but no reason to wait.
May 28th, 2022
One of the best value 2nd wines in Bordeaux?
One of the best value 2nd wines in Bordeaux?
Mar 31st, 2021
This is really lovely. Classic VCC violets on the nose. Light plum, really aromatic. Beautifully smith and balanced. Does the big wine proud!
This is really lovely. Classic VCC violets on the nose. Light plum, really aromatic. Beautifully smith and balanced. Does the big wine proud!
1 person found it helpfulDec 23rd, 2014
Quite nice for a second label 👌🏻will revisit in a few yrs
Quite nice for a second label 👌🏻will revisit in a few yrs
Feb 10th, 20172010...even with their second wine, the balance is awesome, it's a full and rich with killer aromatics. Silky, earthy and long...
2010...even with their second wine, the balance is awesome, it's a full and rich with killer aromatics. Silky, earthy and long...
Dec 24th, 2016
Extremely aromatic with tons of flesh and grip. The Cabernet Franc was kind of taking over, but I'm ok with that. Violets, toast, and a great finish.
Extremely aromatic with tons of flesh and grip. The Cabernet Franc was kind of taking over, but I'm ok with that. Violets, toast, and a great finish.
Aug 28th, 2015