Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Owned for almost a century by the Flemish-born Thienpont family, this estate is one of Pomerol's superstars. Here, Merlot accounts for only 65% of the grape varieties, and excels on the clay soils close to Petrus. The 35% and 40% Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon 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 fact unique to Pomerol Vieux Certan, which gains velvety density after ten years or so. Alexandre Thienpont, ably supported by his son Guillaume, is able to play on several registers: ultra-refined tannin, suave texture and aptitude over time, as this vintage is one of those that evolve best in Pomerol. The cru's consistency is proverbial. While 2016, 2015, 2011 and 2005 will go down in Pomerol legend, this cru is one success after another, flirting with absolute peaks, which justifies its price tag of over 300 euros.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Sovereign, voluble, lavishly fruity, hedonistic without ever forcing the issue, 2020 adds a special seduction to the eminently racy style of wines from the Thienpont family estate. It is even more spectacular in bottle than during the en primeur tastings.

About the domain :

Located in the heart of the Certan plateau, on plots of both gravel and clay, Vieux Château Certan boasts an exceptional heritage of old vines. While the blend is classically dominated by Merlot, it's the Cabernets that give it its unique character, although they sometimes penalize it during en primeur tastings - the wine lacks the immediate fleshiness of some of its neighbors. However, it does not lose weight during maturation, and even gains in definition after five years. It then ages like a great Medoc, retaining its fabulous freshness. Since 2011, Guillaume Thienpont, oenologist and engineer, has joined his father Alexandre in managing the family estate. The cru has demonstrated exceptional consistency, and recent vintages have earned it a well-deserved third star.

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

About the wine:

Vieux Château Certan 2020 is a wine of total harmony and finesse. Absolutely nothing is out of place. Supple and seamless, this 2020 is a baby, but it's so impressive. Crème de cassis, lavender, mocha and licorice are just some of the many notes that emerge from the glass, but more than anything, this 2020 is a majestic Pomerol that will thrill those lucky enough to own it. There's not much more to say. 2030 - 2070

James Suckling

About the wine:

A true Pomerol with aromas and flavors of dark berries, chocolate, hazelnut and walnut. Dark fruit. Crushed stone. Full and intense, with great concentration. Powerful, but so balanced and intense. Juicy midpalate. Fantastic length. Great clarity. Drink after 2028.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

"VCC" is once again one of the vintage's great successes. The unmistakable nose is delicate and suspended, at first seemingly reserved (which, as we know, contributes to its charm) before revealing floral aromas, with chamomile standing out. The palate is a model of elegance, all silky touch: luscious, rolling, thirst-quenching, radiant, it stretches endlessly to our delight. No seam or roughness disturbs the delicious course of this wine full of life and grace. Would it be trivial to point out that we can't wait to drink it?

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The bouquet is dense and precise, revealing a multitude of elements, from the floral nuances to the ripe, inviting Merlot. Beautiful density on the palate, where the wine stands out for its power but also its tension. A goldsmith's wine, very precise, complete and compact, which needs time in the cellar. A great success. 2030 - 2050

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

An extraordinary effort, the wine is almost opaque in color. Its bewitching fragrance offers a bouquet of flowers, black, red and blue fruits, chocolate, spices, espresso and truffles. Incredibly concentrated, yet equally light, the wine is effortless to drink. With polished, velvety textures and fruits that express purity, combined with spices, chocolate, damp earth and sensuality. The finish crosses the 60-second mark and never stops! It's a youthful look at one of Vieux Château Certan's legendary future vintages. If this is your thing, and if you can afford it, buy it now, because prices will only go up from here. Drink between 2027 and 2065.