“At Vieux Château Certan, every vineyard 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 primarily composed of the estate’s younger vines. The bouquet offers hints of cherries and spices. With a silky texture, the wine unfolds slowly, revealing its power with delicacy and precision. What superb quality…and this is “just” the second wine!” (Yves Beck 2021) - Delivery in a wooden case is available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on the country and shipping method selected)
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Eye
Deep ruby color
Nose
Delicate aromas of ripe, concentrated, and fruity grapes, cherries, and spices
Palate
The palate is rich, with notes of chocolate and licorice, enveloped by soft, silky tannins. With its balance and long finish, this is a wine with character.
Serve
At 16-17°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2024
Drink before
2035
Food and wine pairings
Serve with a turkey stuffed with chestnuts or creamy cheeses
Bettane & Desseauve
4-Star Rated Estate (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the estate:
The estate, which has been owned for nearly a century by the Thienpont family—originally from Flanders—is one of Pomerol’s standout producers. Here, Merlot accounts for only 65% of the vineyard’s blend and thrives on the clay soils near Petrus. The 35% and 40% Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon come from soils that are predominantly gravel. These two varieties make all the difference over time, allowing the wine to evolve like a great Médoc—a unique trait in Pomerol—as Vieux Certan gains velvety density after about ten years. Alexandre Thienpont, ably supported by his son Guillaume, can play on several fronts: ultra-refined tannins, a smooth texture, and aging potential, as this wine is one of the best-aging 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 achieve success and approaches the very pinnacle of excellence, justifying its price, which exceeds 300 euros.
Decanter
Wine rated (2022 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
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 youthful and bursting with energy. It is very fruity with notes 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 fragrance” according to Alexandre Thienpont. So much to love here. Drinking window: 2024–2034.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2022 guide) 92/100 (An outstanding wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
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, ample and generous, it is sensual and succulent, with an enveloping core of fruit, supple tannins, and lively acidity. It is made entirely from Merlot this year and comes largely from vines planted in 2010, supplemented by a plot planted in 1998.
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 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 a unique character, though this sometimes works against it during en primeur tastings—as the wine lacks the immediate richness of some of its neighbors. However, it does not lose body during aging and even gains definition after five years. It then ages like a great Médoc, retaining a 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 latest vintages have earned it a well-deserved third star.
Wine Enthusiast
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2020 guide) 17/20
James Suckling
Rated: Recommended
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2022 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
A spicy, highly nuanced, and crystal-clear nose of rosemary, iris, and peony, evolving into old-fashioned 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.
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2021 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
At Vieux Château Certan, every vineyard block has the potential to contribute to the grand vin. As a result, there are no blocks specifically designated for the second wine; however, Gravette is primarily composed 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 superb quality… and this is “just” the second wine! 2024–2039