Vieux Château Certan 2024

Bright ruby red and an expressive nose: radiant fruit, a delicate touch of cream, violets over ripe blackberry, oak still perceptible but not dominant, with a hint of dark tobacco; dense on the palate, remarkably compact, the wine shows real concentration, the fruit is impressively crisp, tannins of the highest quality carry the fruit across the tongue, always present yet never overpowering, with a finish of majestic length and an aromatic potential that is second to none. Outstanding.

Beautiful perfume and aromatic intensity on the nose. Such pristine aromatics. Clean blue fruits and soft saltiness. Bright and shiny straight away, a cool and crisp aspect to the fruit, you can feel the Cabernet density in terms of tannins, they fill the mouth with a crunchy and softly chalky texture with cherry and plum fruit aspects. It loses a little thrust, just softening towards the finish, but this has structure and concentration to the fruit. This has muscle, and a quiet confidence. Super elegant and a different touch than many in Pomerol. 3.70 pH. A yield of 30 hl/ha. And more Cabernet than usual at 9% instead of 5%.

71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. 30 hl/ha. Cask sample. Fragrant and floral. Some sweetness on the attack, then persistent line and length. Less flesh than some years but juicy, fine and balanced. Very pure. (JL)

Lilacs, violets, cocoa, spearmint, truffle, black cherries, plums, and saffron create a complex aromatic profile. Fresh and fragrant on the palate, the wine is earthy, vibrant, elegant, and silky. The Cabernets make a strong impression, contributing to the mid-palate and a refreshing finish that combines mint, spices, lifted red fruits, silkiness, length, energy, and refinement. It is important to note that this is the 100th vintage for the Thienpoint family as owners of VCC. The wine blends 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV, 3.7 pH. The harvest took place September 20 - October 2. Drink from 2029-2047. 95-97 pts

Refined nose with pure, sparkling notes of floral sap, chamomile and cedarwood. On the palate, the texture is wonderfully creamy and dazzling, driven by thrilling energy. The fruit, ripe and velvety, unfolds with harmony and generosity before giving way to a sublime bitterness on the finish. A wine that is both fresh and enveloping, vibrating like the immense presence of the ocean when you are alone on the beach.

Violet ruby with a vibrant rim, reflects the savoury vivid quality of the vintage in the wines that deliver. Clear chamomile tea, fragrant white blossom, redcurrant, blueberry, a touch of austerity and reserve compared to the past few vintages, but with purity and finesse, mouthwatering finish, 30hl/h yield, 3.7ph, harvest 20 September to 2 October. 3.70 pH, and a high Cabernet character in the final blend (despite one block less of Cabernet Franc after replanting), 66% new oak. An enjoyable wine from Alexandre Thienpont.