2000 - Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol

The 2000 Vieux Château Certan, which contains 20% Cabernet Franc, shows minor aging on the rim. The bouquet has opened up since I last tasted it, predominantly black fruit laced with licorice, less of the chimney soot aspect that I observed six years ago, though with a light Earl Grey scent. The palate is medium-bodied and, again, has clearly opened up in recent years. That said, there is still a sense of "old school" Pomerol, black truffle mixed with tobacco, perhaps higher acidity than expected. The finish has pleasant bitter cherry notes, though a little short on the aftertaste. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium.