Estate information
Area under vines : 14 hectares
Soils : Gravel on clay
Average age of the vines : 30 years
Aging : in new oak barrels for 18 to 22 months
Grape varieties :
Learn more about Vieux Château Certan
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The 2009 Vieux-Chateau-Certan has a gorgeous bouquet with red fruit, warm bricks, just a hint of sloes and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with tarry red fruit, firm tannin and well judged acidity. It tapers in slightly towards the finish where I would like a little more roundness but there is persistence here. Readers know I am huge fan of Alexandre Thienpont and this property, but I aver that this growing season never suited them. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2038
Tasted blind. Mid dark crimson. Quite rich, toasty and intense on the nose. Not that concentrated but good energy and pretty dry on the end.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2034
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Merlot is completely in the driving seat here: fragrant and floral with rose petals, boysenberry fruit and a touch of leather. The palate is well balanced with good density, the tannins a little more succulent than its peers and the style erring more towards Saint Emilion. But it is very well balanced with a lavish, stylish finish. Tasted January 2013.
