Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol 2020

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.

Majestic, expressive, bursting with fruit, and hedonistic without ever being over the top, the 2020 vintage adds a special allure to the eminently refined style of the wines from the Thienpont family’s estate. It is even more spectacular in the bottle than it was during the en primeur tastings.

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.

Vieux Château Certan 2020 is a wine of complete harmony and finesse. Absolutely nothing feels out of place. Supple and seamless, this 2020 is still in its infancy, yet it is so impressive. Blackcurrant cream, lavender, mocha, and licorice are just a few of the many notes that emerge from the glass, but above all, this 2020 is a majestic Pomerol that will thrill those lucky enough to own it. There’s not much else to say. 2030–2070

A true Pomerol with aromas and flavors of black berries, chocolate, hazelnut, and walnut. Black fruit. Crushed stone. It is full-bodied and intense, with great concentration. Powerful, yet so well-balanced and intense. Juicy mid-palate. Fantastic length. Great clarity. Best enjoyed after 2028.

“VCC” once again ranks among the vintage’s greatest successes. It features its incomparable, delicate nose, which initially seems reserved (a quality that, as we know, adds to its charm) before revealing floral aromas, notably chamomile. The palate is a model of elegance, with a silky texture: flavorful, smooth, refreshing, and radiant, it lingers endlessly to our great delight. No harshness or rough edges mar the delightful flow of this wine, which is full of life and grace. Would it be trite to say that we can’t wait to drink it?

What density and precision in this bouquet, which reveals a multitude of elements—from its floral nuances to the ripe, inviting character of the Merlot. Beautiful density on the palate, where the wine stands out for its power as well as its tension. A masterfully crafted wine—very precise, complete, and compact—that will benefit from aging in the cellar. A truly outstanding achievement. 2030–2050

An extraordinary achievement, the wine has an almost opaque color. Its captivating aroma offers a bouquet of flowers, black, red, and blue fruits, chocolate, spices, espresso, and truffles. Incredibly concentrated yet equally light, the wine is effortlessly enjoyable. With polished, velvety textures and fruit that exudes purity, it’s paired with spices, chocolate, damp earth, and sensuality. The finish lasts well over 60 seconds and just keeps going! This is a youthful glimpse into one of Vieux Château Certan’s future legendary vintages. If this is your style, and if you can afford it, buy it now because prices will only go up from here on out. Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2065.