2015 Vieux Chateau Certan
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A compelling vintage for VCC, while the floral, truffle, mint, tobacco and chocolate covered cherry nose is exciting, it’s the perfect balance between the wines concentration, elegance, and sensuous opulence that makes this gem standout from the pack. This is at the start of its drinking window and will age for decades. Drink from 2026-2050.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Tim Atkin MW
More reviews and scores
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. A bit closed at the moment, with some notes of violet, black plum, cranberry, cassis and coffee. Grainy tannins and vibrant acidity hold each other in balance. Despite the high alcohol, this has the elegance and poise that seems to characterise this château’s wines. (JRL)
80% old-vine Merlot. Tasted blind. Dark shaded garnet. Light, evolved nose. Then very rich and hedonistic on the palate. Quite a contrast between nose and palate. Slightly drying on the end and perhaps not perfection but I suggest you just lap it up! (JR)
The 2015 Vieux-Château-Certan can be highly variable from bottle to bottle. After two disappointing examples, this came out of the blue. It has an intense and powerful bouquet of black cherry, tobacco, brown spices and loamy aromas. This is very complex and compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, firm tannins surrounded by plenty of flesh. This is vibrant, with a little dark chocolate and espresso toward the finish though it doesn't mask the terroir. I have to put a question mark against my score due to its variability. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.
About the producer
The original Château at Vieux Château Certan dates back to around 1770 but the modern history of the estate begins in 1924 - the year that Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont purchased the property.