1996 - Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol

The 1996 Vieux Château Certan comprises only vines in excess of 25 years and underwent long vatting, aged in two-thirds new oak. The nose has a sense of flatness that it cannot shake off, leathery black fruit, just missing a bit of perfume. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins but well-balanced with fine acidity. The finish is perhaps the best part of this 1996, with Earl Grey and black pepper complementing that dark berry fruit. It just feels a bit short on the aftertaste. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.

‘Alexandre: “It is with emotion that we will remember the year 1996. Requiring a lot of care and a strict selection in the vines, the climatic cycle was however ideally temperate, with a very beautiful late season favouring the full expression of our grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Franc.”’ 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, only from vines more than 25 years old. Deep garnet with a ruby rim. Rich, warm and toasty on the nose. Still firm on the palate. Not yet ready. Extremely youthful with lots tucked in there for the future. Embryonic! A real spine to this wine. (JR)