2008 Vieux Château Certan

Old Château Certan 2023

Vieux Château Certan, one of the oldest and most respected châteaux in Pomerol, has produced another exceptional wine in 2023. The blend, composed of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, has an alcohol content of 14% and a pH of 3.74. The wine was rated 94-96 points by William Kelley.

Tasting notes

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan opens with exuberant aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets, burning charcoal, iris, crushed mint, and black tea. This medium- to full-bodied wine is velvety and sensual, with a rich attack that flows into a layered, enveloping mid-palate. The wine has a polished and perfumed finish, with a sweet core of fruit and a long, subtly oak-influenced finish.

Climate and Harvest

The 2023 vintage was characterized by moderate weather conditions until harvest. Flowering proceeded smoothly, and the grapes' veraison (coloring) occurred as early as mid-July, without extreme heat or water stress. Summer temperatures rose in late August, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes. The harvest took place from September 18th to 29th.

Vineyard Management and Vinification

The terroir of Vieux Château Certan is uniquely situated, with soils ranging from clay to gravel. The vineyards cover 14 hectares and are divided into 23 plots, each individually managed based on soil type and grape variety. The average age of the vines is 50 years, contributing to the complexity and depth of the wines.

Vinification at Vieux Château Certan combines traditional methods with modern techniques. The grapes are carefully selected and undergo gentle extraction at a controlled temperature of 28°C. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks, followed by aging in barrels, two-thirds of which are new oak.

History

Vieux Château Certan was founded at the beginning of the 16th century by the Demay family from Scotland and appeared on the Belleyme map in 1785 under the name "Sertan." In 1858, it became the property of Charles de Bousquet, who commissioned the construction of the current château buildings. In 1924, the Flemish wine merchant Georges Thienpont purchased the property, marking the beginning of the Thienpont family's presence in the Bordeaux region.

Today, Vieux Château Certan is managed by Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont, who continue the tradition and craftsmanship, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and elegance. The château truly embodies Pomerol's rich history and unique terroir.

Conclusion

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is a stunning wine that combines exotic aromas, deep layers of fruit, and sublime textures. The result is a wine of great refinement and power, with excellent aging potential. This wine perfectly reflects the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Vieux Château Certan and will be admired for many years to come.