99/100
Falstaff
98-100/100
The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve
98-99/100
James Suckling
98-99/100
Yves Beck
“It follows a precise trajectory, starting with finesse and building to power. A truly great VCC that shines with its freshness, vigor, and balance! ~ Yves Beck”
"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 drinkability you can already taste in your glass. ” (Jeff Leve 2026)
Delivery: First half of 2028
Packaging: Plain cardboard box for 1 to 5 bottles purchased and original wooden case for multiples of 6 bottles
Buy your Certan wines at the best price in a private sale!
Starting at €99 on your first order
Bettane & Desseauve
4-Star 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 plantings and thrives on the clay soils near Petrus. The remaining 35% and 40% Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon come from predominantly gravelly soils. These two varieties make all the difference over time, allowing the wine to age 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 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 deliver success after success and approaches the very pinnacle of excellence, justifying its price, which exceeds 300 euros.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
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 fullness 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)
James Suckling
Wine rated (2026 guide) 98-99/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
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 delight 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.
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2026 guide) 98-99/100
About the wine:
From the very first sip, the character of Cabernet Franc shines through in floral nuances such as peony and iris. These notes offer a precise, highly detailed profile. They are joined by hints of blackberry and blackcurrant (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 grain and have depth while being perfectly integrated. They interact wonderfully with the acid structure, which reinforces the tension and character. The result is a luminous, smooth, and exhilarating wine, with a captivating, irresistible character! A truly great VCC that shines with its freshness, vigor, and consistency. 2032–2065
The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve
Wine rated (2026 guide) 98-100/100
About the wine:
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 drinkability you can already taste in your glass. The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% alcohol, pH 3.75. Harvest took place from September 8 to 18. Yields were only 22 hectoliters. Best enjoyed between 2030 and 2065
Falstaff
Wine rated (2026 guide) 99/100
FIRST LOOK 2025
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