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 :
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The 2014 Vieux Chateau 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.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2046
The 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is a blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked in three stages: 19-20 September, 29 September to 2 October, and 7 and 8 October. The yields came in at 38.7 hectoliters per hectare with 13.4% alcohol. It was one of my stars of the vintage and now in bottle, I find no reason to change that. It is endowed with an exquisite bouquet, really one of the best I encountered throughout my tastings: perfumed blackberry, wild strawberry, cold stone and wilted rose petals. Like in barrel, it is not powerful, yet it is blessed with wondrous precision. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and fine tannin, a slightly masculine VCC due to its linearity and precision. There is tension here from start to finish, a sophisticated and cerebral Pomerol that transcends the growing season. It is a totally different kettle of fish to the 2015 (and doubtless the pre-natal 2016). This is unashamedly classic in style, fanning out towards the mineral-rich finish with great frisson and energy. A cellar without the 2014 Vieux-Chateau-Certan would be a great pity.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050
Bright mid crimson. Light, fresh and pretty strong Cabernet Franc on the nose. Tight and disciplined with a firm backbone. But certainly enough flesh. Firm finish. Very persistent.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040
