Vieux Chateau Certan 2006
The 2006 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 12 after ten days of clement weather when two deluges, 60mm then 40mm, fell within 24 hours after the Merlot had been picked. The dilemma was whether to expedite the picking of the Cabernets, though Alexandre Thienpont decided to risk it and waited. Consequently, he lost two-thirds of the crop to wait but believes the surviving one-third was worth it. Though not a huge fan of this vintage in Bordeaux, this is certainly one of its few outright successes. Black fruit, pencil shavings and touches of desiccated orange peel and prune unfold on the nose without the bravura of the preceding vintage, yet detailed and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, riper than many of its Right Bank peers, and has a very slight viscosity towards the finish. Notes of raspberry, strawberry, a hint of fig and a dash of spice linger on the aftertaste. This is a more austere VCC, though drinking very well now, but it has the substance to age. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. - Neil Martin
Vieux Chateau Certan
A key Pomerol estate covering 14 hectares, Vieux Château Certan or "VCC" as it's sometimes known is regularly ranked as one of the Right Bank's top properties. The vineyard is planted with around 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Picking and sorting is done by hand and varietals are vinified separately in large oak vats. The juice destined for the Grand Vin is run off into 100% new oak for over 18 months before bottling.
The history of the estate dates back to at least the 16th century, when it was purchased by the Demay family from Scotland. The current owners, the Thienpont family, purchased the property in the mid-1920s and were instrumental in establishing their wine's reputation in the region.
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