2022 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
This is a superb result from Alexandre Thienpont – indeed it’s the first time he’s dared to describe it as a “grand vin”. The nose is expressive, full of vibrant purple fruit, parma violets and blueberries. It’s not dense or dark at all, having stunning freshness and the delicacy of body that is a signature among the best wines this year. This needs time to fully integrate, the tannins still a little gangly, but there’s a long finish, with a delicate iris scent lingering.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Vieux Château Certan has a wonderful bouquet, surprisingly classic in style given the warmth of the growing season, with black fruit laced with Earl Grey and loamy aromas. The oak is supremely well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, lightly spiced and quite peppery in style, with a sophisticated, silky-smooth finish. Oh yeah. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Tasted blind. Some oak and something a little angular. Sweet, purple-fruited start and then an unexpectedly dry finish. Almost a hint of oak-shavings chewiness on the end. (JR)
The 2022 Vieux Château Certan is deep and harmonious, unwinding in the glass with aromas of inky blackberries and cherries mingled with scents of burning embers, truffle and lilac. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's rich and enveloping, its concentrated core of sweet fruit framed by powdery tannins and juicy acids. Integrated, complete and precise, this blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant vintage for Vieux Château Certan.
About the producer
The original Château at Vieux Château Certan dates back to around 1770 but the modern history of the estate begins in 1924 - the year that Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont purchased the property.