Tasting Notes
Vinous 98+
The 2016 Vieux Chateau Certan was tasted on two occasions. Blind, there was just a patina of wood on the finish that made it difficult to read. The bottle at Bordeaux Index’s tasting tallied with my previous encounter. A multi-faceted bouquet with pure black and blueberry fruit, crushed stone and light graphite scents from the Cabernet component. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled tannins, tensile and demonstrating incredible length on the finish. Profound. Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year-On tasting in London.
Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049
Wine Advocate 100
The 2016 Vieux Chateau Certan is blended of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with pristine, vivid notions of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry compote and mulberries with fragrant touches of raspberry leaves, crushed rocks, licorice, cumin seed and yeast extract plus a waft of red roses. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully elegant, the palate builds from a quiet intensity to an incredibly well-sustained aria of crunchy red and black cherries notes plus tons of floral undertones, framed by exquisitely soft yet firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with lingering mineral and floral sparks. How does this 2016 compare to the also amazing 2015 vintage? Stylistically they are very different, as my notes on each should convey, but beyond this I am struck by the incredible harmony and seamlessness of the 2016 along with its amazing depth and energy this year. Bravo!
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2070