Château Vieux Château Certan
About Château Vieux Château Certan
Vieux Château Certan is one of Pomerol’s oldest and most exalted estates, having produced wine since at least the mid-1470s. Vieux Château Certan is regularly ranked by the world's press and international tasting panels among the very top wines of Bordeaux. A small estate by Bordeaux standards, this Pomerol estate has been considered one of the great producers in its appellation for a long time. One of the Thienpont stables, it can be considered a less flashy, elder sibling to the micro-cuvée estate Le Pin. For a wine which is often mentioned in the same breath as Petrus, the Grand Vin is surprisingly good value for money and the second wine, Gravette de Certan is very reasonable indeed.
Viniculture
Vieux Château Certan is an elegant Pomerol. It’s full-bodied, rich and offers ripe blackberry, plum, floral, chocolate and spice aromas. At its best, its texture is pure silk and velvet. The wine is effortless to drink, yet it’s complex and ages well. Yearly production is very small at only 4-5,000 cases per year, compared with about 25,000 cases by Lafite. It is therefore rare to find full cases of mature vintages with good condition on the secondary market. Mature vintages of well-scored Vieux Château Certain are great for both personal consumption or to hold as an investment.
The estate also produces a second wine - La Gravette de Certan - which is made of “younger” vines up to 25 years old.
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Prices:
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Inc. TAX€121.44 -
(12x75cl) 2016Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Darker and denser than the 2015, the 2016 La Gravette de Certan reveals a similar profile yet has more obvious structure as well as full-bodied notes of smoked tobacco, black fruits, earth, and spice box. Deep, powerful, and shockingly good for a second wine, it’s well worth your time and money. Drink it over the coming 20+ years.Inc. TAX€1,042.06 -
(1x300cl) 2017Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2017 La Gravette De Certan is a smoking second wine from unquestionably one of the top estates in Pomerol. Loaded with notions of dark, chocolatey fruits, leafy herbs, and violets, it has more richness and depth on the palate than most estates’ top wine. Medium to full-bodied and textured, with sweet tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will evolve for two decades.Inc. TAX€434.78 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2017 La Gravette De Certan is a smoking second wine from unquestionably one of the top estates in Pomerol. Loaded with notions of dark, chocolatey fruits, leafy herbs, and violets, it has more richness and depth on the palate than most estates’ top wine. Medium to full-bodied and textured, with sweet tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will evolve for two decades.Inc. TAX€415.19 -
(3x150cl) 2018Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2018 La Gravette de Certan is a gorgeous second wine. Pliant, creamy and so expressive, La Gravette is everything a second wine should be. Juicy dark cherry fruit, spice, licorice, new leather and lavender fill out the layers effortlessly. No, the 2018 is not quite the 2016, but it's close.Inc. TAX€722.38 -
James Suckling (96)
Wow. What a second wine with berries, chocolate, and coffee beans. Black berries. Full and layered with such incredible length and intensity. The real deal. Hard not to drink now but will age beautifully. Try after 2029.Inc. TAX€101.80 -
James Suckling (96)
Wow. What a second wine with berries, chocolate, and coffee beans. Black berries. Full and layered with such incredible length and intensity. The real deal. Hard not to drink now but will age beautifully. Try after 2029.Inc. TAX€424.79 -
Inc. TAX€402.94 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Coming from 100% Merlot (all the Cabernet Franc went to the Grand Vin), the 2022 La Gravette De Certan comes from younger vines and spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. It's a forward, sexy second wine that has a ripe, voluptuous style in its red and black fruits, truffly earth, camphor, and flowery incense. Beautiful textured and medium to full-bodied, with solid, polished tannins and terrific overall balance, it's perfect for drinking any time over the coming 15 years or so.Inc. TAX€396.94 -
(8x75cl) 1974Inc. TAX€1,808.23 -
(4x75cl) 1976Wine Advocate (75)
Quite one-dimensional, with soft, ripe plummy fruit, and some oaky aromas, the 1976 has average concentration, no noticeable tannin, and a pleasant, yet uninteresting finish. Anticipated maturity: Now--may be in decline. Last tasted, 7/83.Inc. TAX€826.58 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 1989 Vieux Château Certan has long been one of my favorite wines of that decade. The bouquet shows no signs of relinquishing that title with gorgeous black truffle, bay leaf, warm gravel and briary scents that are simply beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, warm earth on the entry, leather and truffle, great depth here with sublime precision on the finish, which is bridled with hints of mushroom and cloves. Maybe this is reaching its peak? Then again, it shows absolutely no signs of reaching the end of its plateau. This is nothing short of a wondrous Pomerol from Alexandre Thienpont. Tasted January 2016.Inc. TAX€3,347.56 -
(12x75cl) 1990Wine Advocate (92)
The 1990 Vieux Château Certan is drinking exceptionally well at the moment, although it does not quite possess the charm of the 1989. There is more primary fruit here than the previous vintage: black cherries, iodine and boysenberry, mingling with clove and tarry aromas that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is similar depth here to the 1989 and yet the finish does not quite deliver the same delineation, although that cheeky dab of kirsch is pure delight. This is a great VCC, although I did notice that over a period of an hour, it fails to keep pace with the ever-meliorating 1989. Tasted January 2016.Inc. TAX€4,870.19 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Disappointing following bottling, this green-flavored, herbaceous, medium-bodied wine exhibits spice and red fruit notes, but it tastes underripe and meagerly-endowed. Anticipated maturity: now-2006.Inc. TAX€1,651.46 -
(12x75cl) 1995Wine Spectator (95)
Wonderful fruit and texture. Best VCC I have ever tasted. Dark-colored, and bubbling over with blackberry and raspberry character with undertones of chocolate, mint and vanilla. Full-bodied, with very velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. 3,800 cases made.Inc. TAX€3,161.56 -
(12x75cl) 2000Wine Spectator (100)
Absolutely gorgeous aromas, with mineral, licorice and hints of orange peel. Full-bodied, with super, fine tannins. Has class written all over it. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€3,865.16 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Absolutely gorgeous aromas, with mineral, licorice and hints of orange peel. Full-bodied, with super, fine tannins. Has class written all over it. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€2,265.59 -
(12x75cl) 2001Wine Spectator (95-100)
Real wine here. Lovely, smoky and licorice, with lots of berry and plum character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. Super quality. Alexandre Thienpont is a master. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€3,535.46 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Fabulous aromas of crushed berries, vanilla and chocolate, with pure fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. All in texture. A gorgeous and seductive young wine. This is 25 percent Cabernet Franc (normally it's 15 percent). Best after 2009. 4,585 cases made. -JSInc. TAX€2,331.07 -
Inc. TAX€3,207.07 -
(6x75cl) 2005Inc. TAX€1,852.54 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This has a beautiful core of berry, coffee and chocolate fruit. Full yet very balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Extremely well made, with everything in proportion. Makes you want to drink it now. I haven't found many wines like this. 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€2,883.36 -
(1x75cl) 2006Wine Spectator (95-100)
This has a beautiful core of berry, coffee and chocolate fruit. Full yet very balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Extremely well made, with everything in proportion. Makes you want to drink it now. I haven't found many wines like this. 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€245.04 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
In this dense wine, dusty tannins ride over spice and black currant fruits, giving weight and concentration while retaining the natural stylish character of the château.Inc. TAX€2,073.36 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
In this dense wine, dusty tannins ride over spice and black currant fruits, giving weight and concentration while retaining the natural stylish character of the château.Inc. TAX€2,595.36 -
James Suckling (100)
This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.Inc. TAX€4,895.26 -
James Suckling (100)
This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.Inc. TAX€2,282.63 -
(12x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.Inc. TAX€4,607.26 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.Inc. TAX€4,619.75 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.Inc. TAX€4,595.26
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In Bond€98.00
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(12x75cl) 2016
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Darker and denser than the 2015, the 2016 La Gravette de Certan reveals a similar profile yet has more obvious structure as well as full-bodied notes of smoked tobacco, black fruits, earth, and spice box. Deep, powerful, and shockingly good for a second wine, it’s well worth your time and money. Drink it over the coming 20+ years.In Bond€824.00 -
(1x300cl) 2017
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2017 La Gravette De Certan is a smoking second wine from unquestionably one of the top estates in Pomerol. Loaded with notions of dark, chocolatey fruits, leafy herbs, and violets, it has more richness and depth on the palate than most estates’ top wine. Medium to full-bodied and textured, with sweet tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will evolve for two decades.In Bond€347.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2017 La Gravette De Certan is a smoking second wine from unquestionably one of the top estates in Pomerol. Loaded with notions of dark, chocolatey fruits, leafy herbs, and violets, it has more richness and depth on the palate than most estates’ top wine. Medium to full-bodied and textured, with sweet tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will evolve for two decades.In Bond€323.00 -
(3x150cl) 2018
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2018 La Gravette de Certan is a gorgeous second wine. Pliant, creamy and so expressive, La Gravette is everything a second wine should be. Juicy dark cherry fruit, spice, licorice, new leather and lavender fill out the layers effortlessly. No, the 2018 is not quite the 2016, but it's close.In Bond€583.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Wow. What a second wine with berries, chocolate, and coffee beans. Black berries. Full and layered with such incredible length and intensity. The real deal. Hard not to drink now but will age beautifully. Try after 2029.In Bond€81.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Wow. What a second wine with berries, chocolate, and coffee beans. Black berries. Full and layered with such incredible length and intensity. The real deal. Hard not to drink now but will age beautifully. Try after 2029.In Bond€331.00 -
In Bond€312.00
-
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Coming from 100% Merlot (all the Cabernet Franc went to the Grand Vin), the 2022 La Gravette De Certan comes from younger vines and spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. It's a forward, sexy second wine that has a ripe, voluptuous style in its red and black fruits, truffly earth, camphor, and flowery incense. Beautiful textured and medium to full-bodied, with solid, polished tannins and terrific overall balance, it's perfect for drinking any time over the coming 15 years or so.In Bond€307.00 -
(8x75cl) 1974In Bond€1,475.00
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(4x75cl) 1976
Wine Advocate (75)
Quite one-dimensional, with soft, ripe plummy fruit, and some oaky aromas, the 1976 has average concentration, no noticeable tannin, and a pleasant, yet uninteresting finish. Anticipated maturity: Now--may be in decline. Last tasted, 7/83.In Bond€673.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 1989 Vieux Château Certan has long been one of my favorite wines of that decade. The bouquet shows no signs of relinquishing that title with gorgeous black truffle, bay leaf, warm gravel and briary scents that are simply beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, warm earth on the entry, leather and truffle, great depth here with sublime precision on the finish, which is bridled with hints of mushroom and cloves. Maybe this is reaching its peak? Then again, it shows absolutely no signs of reaching the end of its plateau. This is nothing short of a wondrous Pomerol from Alexandre Thienpont. Tasted January 2016.In Bond€2,750.00 -
(12x75cl) 1990
Wine Advocate (92)
The 1990 Vieux Château Certan is drinking exceptionally well at the moment, although it does not quite possess the charm of the 1989. There is more primary fruit here than the previous vintage: black cherries, iodine and boysenberry, mingling with clove and tarry aromas that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is similar depth here to the 1989 and yet the finish does not quite deliver the same delineation, although that cheeky dab of kirsch is pure delight. This is a great VCC, although I did notice that over a period of an hour, it fails to keep pace with the ever-meliorating 1989. Tasted January 2016.In Bond€4,020.00 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Disappointing following bottling, this green-flavored, herbaceous, medium-bodied wine exhibits spice and red fruit notes, but it tastes underripe and meagerly-endowed. Anticipated maturity: now-2006.In Bond€1,335.00 -
(12x75cl) 1995
Wine Spectator (95)
Wonderful fruit and texture. Best VCC I have ever tasted. Dark-colored, and bubbling over with blackberry and raspberry character with undertones of chocolate, mint and vanilla. Full-bodied, with very velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. 3,800 cases made.In Bond€2,595.00 -
(12x75cl) 2000
Wine Spectator (100)
Absolutely gorgeous aromas, with mineral, licorice and hints of orange peel. Full-bodied, with super, fine tannins. Has class written all over it. Score range: 95-100In Bond€3,175.00 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Absolutely gorgeous aromas, with mineral, licorice and hints of orange peel. Full-bodied, with super, fine tannins. Has class written all over it. Score range: 95-100In Bond€1,865.00 -
(12x75cl) 2001
Wine Spectator (95-100)
Real wine here. Lovely, smoky and licorice, with lots of berry and plum character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. Super quality. Alexandre Thienpont is a master. Score range: 95-100In Bond€2,905.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Fabulous aromas of crushed berries, vanilla and chocolate, with pure fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. All in texture. A gorgeous and seductive young wine. This is 25 percent Cabernet Franc (normally it's 15 percent). Best after 2009. 4,585 cases made. -JSIn Bond€1,895.00 -
In Bond€2,625.00
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(6x75cl) 2005In Bond€1,520.00
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Wine Spectator (95-100)
This has a beautiful core of berry, coffee and chocolate fruit. Full yet very balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Extremely well made, with everything in proportion. Makes you want to drink it now. I haven't found many wines like this. 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc. Score range: 95-100In Bond€2,360.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This has a beautiful core of berry, coffee and chocolate fruit. Full yet very balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Extremely well made, with everything in proportion. Makes you want to drink it now. I haven't found many wines like this. 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc. Score range: 95-100In Bond€201.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
In this dense wine, dusty tannins ride over spice and black currant fruits, giving weight and concentration while retaining the natural stylish character of the château.In Bond€1,685.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
In this dense wine, dusty tannins ride over spice and black currant fruits, giving weight and concentration while retaining the natural stylish character of the château.In Bond€2,120.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.In Bond€4,035.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.In Bond€1,880.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.In Bond€3,795.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.In Bond€3,835.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.In Bond€3,785.00
