Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol 2025 (Primeurs)

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.

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.

Subtle and pure, with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and pencil shavings, along with notes of raspberries, flowers, oyster shells, and iodine. Medium-bodied, with subtle, well-integrated tannins that accompany the wine throughout the palate and make it a pleasure to drink. The length and finesse are sublime. A mineral texture, with hints of stone and light cement. It unfolds beautifully in the long finish. 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the very start, the character of Cabernet Franc is evident through floral nuances such as peonies and irises. These highlight a precise, highly detailed profile. They are joined by notes of blackberries and blackcurrants (a nod to Cabernet Sauvignon) and sweet spices, which round out the aromatic spectrum. With good density, the wine follows a precise trajectory governed first by finesse and then by power, which carries the whole with precision and serenity. The tannins display a fine texture and have depth while remaining perfectly integrated. They interact wonderfully with the acid structure, which reinforces the wine’s tension and character. The result is a luminous, smooth, and exhilarating wine, with a captivating character that leaves you wanting more! A truly great VCC that shines with its freshness, vigor, and coherence. 2032–2065

Violets, irises, black cherries, blueberries, chocolate, cocoa, licorice, mint leaves, and truffles make up this wine’s complex bouquet. However, it is on the palate that this wine reveals itself in all its splendor. Full-bodied, deep, concentrated, opulent, and captivating, it coats the mouth, teeth, and gums with notes of plums and cherries enrobed in dark chocolate. The finish is intense, long, full-bodied, rich, deep, and harmonious—and you’ll notice it in your glass. Part of this wine’s success in 2025 stems from the blend of fruit from young vines planted in 2015, which has contributed to the ease of drinking you can already experience in your glass. The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% alcohol, pH 3.75. The harvest took place from September 8 to 18. Yields were only 22 hectoliters. Best enjoyed between 2030 and 2065.