Vieux Château Certan
Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
The 2014 Vieux Château Certan comes from two bottles, the first out of condition. The second has a potent Cabernet Franc-driven nose, which is no surprise, as it comprises 30% of the blend: bell pepper and black pepper infusing the black fruit. There is almost a Loire-like scent. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins, fine acidity and grip with truffle and raspberry. It's earthy with just a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. This Pomerol is surfeit with character and is just about to enter its drinking window. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
The 2014 Vieux Château Certan comes from two bottles, the first out of condition. The second has a potent Cabernet Franc-driven nose, which is no surprise, as it comprises 30% of the blend: bell pepper and black pepper infusing the black fruit. There is almost a Loire-like scent. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins, fine acidity and grip with truffle and raspberry. It's earthy with just a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. This Pomerol is surfeit with character and is just about to enter its drinking window. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
The 2014 Vieux Château Certan has proven to be a strong performer in recent years, and there has been no change ten years on. Blacker fruit than its peers, plenty of black truffle shavings and a slightly pronounced marine influence. Maybe just a tad more VA than I recall? The palate is medium-bodied with a harmonious and silky smooth entry and fine precision, not a powerful VCC, and very elegant with raspberry, orange rind, tertiary notes and tobacco toward the finish. Wonderful. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
The 2014 Vieux Château Certan has proven to be a strong performer in recent years, and there has been no change ten years on. Blacker fruit than its peers, plenty of black truffle shavings and a slightly pronounced marine influence. Maybe just a tad more VA than I recall? The palate is medium-bodied with a harmonious and silky smooth entry and fine precision, not a powerful VCC, and very elegant with raspberry, orange rind, tertiary notes and tobacco toward the finish. Wonderful. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
I didn't get to try that vintage but 2014 was gorgeous
I didn't get to try that vintage but 2014 was gorgeous
Sep 27th, 2015
