1969 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
Wine writer and fellow taster Colin Hay’s birth year. ‘ Cold winter, bad weather during flowering which immediately reduced the crop. Cold June but a quite favourable July and August. The first two weeks of September were rainy, followed by a week of fine and sunny weather which lasted to the vintage that began at the beginning of October. On paper, the weather sounded better than it was. Sadly, the September rain was constant (20 days) and rot thrived more than the grapes.’ Rich nose and some depth but just starting to dry out. On the way down, alas. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1969 Vieux Château Certan was hampered by 20 days of rain in September that induced rot. It has a light and slightly caramel bouquet that turns fungal with time, with a whiff of dusty attic. The palate is simple and fresh but relatively dry, though the acidity keeps this buoyant. Any bottles should be consumed soon. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
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.