Tasting Notes
Vinous 92
The 2006 Vieux Chateau 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.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2042
Wine Advocate 96
Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ horizontal, the 2006 Vieux Chateau Certan remains an outstanding proposition. It has an airy red cherry and raspberry bouquet, a hint of bergamot tea in the background, succinctly defined, even if the fruit needs some encouragement from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. The acidity is well judged, harmonious in the mouth, quite smooth with hints of truffle oil and white pepper towards the composed, quite sensual finish. Give this a couple of more years in bottle and then it should drink well for at least a couple of decades. Tasted April 2016.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2045