“Vieux Château Certan 2017 boasts a deep garnet-purple color. The bouquet bursts forth from the glass with superb aromas of candied violets, chocolate-coated cherries, roses, and eucalyptus, set against a backdrop of black plum jam, blackberries, black raspberries, and blueberry tart, along with hints of licorice, iron-like minerality, and truffles. The medium- to full-bodied palate displays extraordinary balance and expression, with very fine tannins and well-structured freshness, and finishes with exceptional length and fragrance.” (Wine Advocate 2020) - Delivery in a wooden case is available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and selected shipping method)
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Eye
Deep garnet-purple color
Nose
Aromas of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, roses, and eucalyptus, with notes of black plum jam, blackberries, black raspberries, blueberry pie, licorice, and truffles, along with mineral notes
Palate
Medium-bodied, well-balanced, with very fine tannins, a well-structured freshness, and superb length
Serve
At 16-17°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2024
Drink before
2045
Production
3,666 cases
Food and wine pairings
Pairs well with a squab stuffed with foie gras, a beef tenderloin, venison with Grand Veneur sauce, pheasant with morels...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated 17.5/20 (Top-rated wine)
4-Star Rated Estate (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the wine:
“We’re among the 200 hectares in Pomerol that didn’t freeze—it came down to a difference of 0.5 degrees,” explains Alexandre Thienpont. This is an early-ripening vintage from old vines, resulting in a wine with a sense of tension, featuring great Cabernets, restrained power, a silky creaminess of the finest quality, and a mineral finish.
About the estate:
The estate, owned for nearly a century by the Thienpont family of Flemish origin, is one of Pomerol's superstars. Here, Merlot accounts for only 65% of the plantings, but it thrives on the clay soils similar to those of Petrus. The remaining 35% and 40%, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, come from predominantly gravelly soils. These two grape varieties make all the difference over time, allowing the wine to evolve like a great Médoc, a unique characteristic in Pomerol. Vieux Certan gains a velvety density after about ten years. Alexandre Thienpont, ably assisted by his son Guillaume, can play on several levels: ultra-refined tannins, a smooth texture, and the wine's aging potential, as this wine is one of the best-developing in Pomerol. The wine's consistency is legendary. While 2016, 2015, 2011 and 2005 will go down in Pomerol legend, this vintage continues its string of successes and flirts with absolute heights, which justifies its price, which exceeds 300 euros.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2020 guide) 98/100 (Exceptional)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
Composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Vieux Château Certan boasts a deep garnet-purple color. The bouquet bursts forth from the glass with superb aromas of candied violets, chocolate-coated cherries, roses, and eucalyptus, set against a backdrop of black plum jam, blackberries, black raspberries, and blueberry tart, along with hints of licorice, iron-like minerality, and truffles. The medium- to full-bodied palate displays extraordinary balance and expression, with very fine tannins and well-structured freshness, and finishes with exceptional length and fragrance.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2022 guide) 3*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience)
About the estate:
Located in the heart of the Certan plateau, on plots of land that are sometimes gravelly, sometimes clay-rich, Vieux Château Certan boasts an exceptional heritage of old vines. While the blend is classically dominated by Merlot, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon that gives it a unique character, though sometimes a drawback during en primeur tastings – the wine lacks the immediate richness of some of its neighbors. However, it does not lose its structure during aging and even gains in definition after five years. It then ages like a great Médoc, retaining fabulous freshness. Since 2011, Guillaume Thienpont, oenologist and engineer, has joined his father Alexandre in managing the family estate. The wine demonstrates exceptional consistency, and recent vintages have earned it a well-deserved third star.
Wine Spectator
Wine rated (2020 guide) 98/100 (Exceptional wine)
About the wine:
It offers a wonderful burst of raspberry and infused plum ganache that takes center stage throughout the tasting. There are also notes of charred applewood and dried anise, supported on the finish by aromas of Lapsang Souchong tea, warm fruit cake, and minerality. A step ahead of this vintage. Best from 2022 to 2040.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2020 guide) 96/100
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
About the wine:
With a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, this wine is firmly tannic, with intense acidity that balances the flavors of ripe berries and the wine’s structure. With its robust structure and powerful tannins, this wine is built for long-term aging. At the same time, its juicy acidity lends it a lively character. Best enjoyed starting in 2024.
Vinous
Wine rated (2020 guide) 98/100
About the wine:
Just as it was when first released, the 2017 Vieux Château Certan is majestic and bursts forth the moment it is poured. Ink-blue and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice, lavender, spices, and mint come together in a dense, dark, and powerful Pomerol. The 2017 is an explosive, lively wine of monastic beauty. In this vintage, the VCC is particularly dark, which adds a genuine sense of mysterious beauty. It is a magnificent achievement by Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont. 2027–2047
James Suckling
Wine rated (2019 guide) 98/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
The purity and complexity of this 2017 vintage are truly captivating. Raspberry and black fruit notes with hints of sweet tobacco and blood orange. Medium to full-bodied. The tannins are so refined and pure that they push the boundaries of what this wine can be. Fresh and pleasant. Deep. Needs 2 or 3 years to reach its full potential. Best enjoyed after 2023.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated 98/100
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2019 guide) 98/100
About the wine:
A dense color with violet highlights. The bouquet of this VCC is characterized by freshness and licorice notes, followed by hints of lavender and thyme. Pleasant notes of dark berries such as blackcurrant and blueberry. I also detect a touch of mint. The palate offers great density and depth, where the tannins and acidity support one another. The tannins are tight and powerful, yet possess a fine grain and a supportive fullness that perfectly balances the structure’s tension. This structure enhances the aromatic expression on the finish and lends the wine both body and character. The finish lives up to what the palate suggests: precise, refreshing, and persistent. A great wine with excellent aging potential. 2024–2047
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