La Gravette de Certan Pomerol 2019 - Second vin

The estate, which has been owned for nearly a century by the Thienpont family—originally from Flanders—is one of Pomerol’s standout estates. Here, Merlot accounts for only 65% of the vineyard’s grape varieties and thrives on the clay soils near Petrus. The remaining 35% and 40%—Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon—come from soils that are predominantly gravel. These two grape varieties make all the difference over time, allowing the wine to age like a great Médoc—a unique trait in Pomerol. Vieux Certan gains a velvety density after about ten years. Alexandre Thienpont, ably supported by his son Guillaume, can play to the wine’s strengths across several dimensions: ultra-refined tannins, a smooth texture, and its aging potential—as this cru is one of the best-aging wines in Pomerol. The consistency of this wine is legendary. While 2016, 2015, 2011, and 2005 will go down in Pomerol history, this wine continues to rack up successes and comes close to the absolute pinnacle of excellence, justifying its price, which exceeds 300 euros.

A magnificent nose of sweet spices, hints of licorice, and wild berries. Excellent clarity on the palate; the texture is silky with lively fruit flavors. Extremely young and bursting with energy. It is very fruity with nuances of cherry and cherry pit. Truly playful in the best sense of the word, with charming aromatic notes from start to finish—2019 was “the year of aroma,” according to Alexandre Thienpont. So much to love here. Drinking window: 2024–2034.

The 2019 Gravette de Certan is a full-bodied and charming wine, bursting with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries, and licorice. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, full-flavored and generous, it is sensual and succulent, with an enveloping core of fruit, supple tannins, and lively acidity. This year’s vintage is made entirely from Merlot and comes largely from vines planted in 2010, supplemented by a plot planted in 1998.

Located in the heart of the Certan plateau, on plots that are sometimes gravelly and sometimes clayey, Vieux Château Certan boasts an exceptional heritage of old vines. While the blend is traditionally dominated by Merlot, it is the Cabernets that give it its unique character, even if this sometimes works against it during en primeur tastings—as the wine lacks the immediate fullness of some of its neighbors. However, it does not lose body during aging and actually gains in definition after five years. It then ages like a great Médoc, retaining fabulous freshness. Since 2011, Guillaume Thienpont, an oenologist and engineer, has joined his father Alexandre in managing the family estate. The wine demonstrates exceptional consistency, and the most recent vintages have earned it a well-deserved third star.

A spicy, highly nuanced, and crystal-clear nose of rosemary, iris, and peony, evolving into the scent of an heirloom rose. Hints of “gentleman farmer.” The palate is supple, rich, and enveloping, yet retains a great deal of fluidity. A more granular texture emerges on the finish, which is both elegant and opulent.

At Vieux Château Certan, every plot has the potential to contribute to the grand vin. As a result, there are no plots specifically designated for the second wine; however, Gravette is composed primarily of the estate’s younger vines. In 2019, the yield reached 40 hl/ha. The bouquet offers hints of cherries and spices. Silky in character, the wine reveals itself slowly, displaying its power with delicacy and precision. What a superb wine… and it’s “just” the second wine! 2024–2039