2022 - Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the élevage here was 100% in barrel, with malolactic fermentation in same, using two-thirds new oak and the rest second-fill. A gloriously dark and focused nose here, perfumed fruit, all griottes, currant, blackcurrant, coffee bean and olive, the overall sense one of fragrant juiciness rather than anything too heavy or overdone. And this is exactly what I find on the palate, a deceptively easy-going and seamless body of dark fruit, with currant, olive and damson, with violet nuances, gorse flower Cabernet notes, and a fine bed of rich, voluminous, but tightly knit tannins. Such wonderful approachability, stunning concentration without ever giving the sense this has gone too far, filled out with dark fruits, great structure, rich complexity and a long finish packed with tightly knit tannins. And it finishes long too, with savoury tannins, all lithe and sinewy, and an absolute delight. This is a stunning VCC set to charm for many decades to come. The alcohol is 14.5% on the label.

The 2022 Vieux Château Certan is s total stunner. Readers will find a magical wine, a Pomerol that satisfies both the intellectual and hedonistic senses. Vertical and explosive, with stunning presence, the 2022 VCC simply has it all. Time in the glass rev

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with a yield of 35 hl/ha, the 2022 Vieux Chateau Certan is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, notes of black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and juicy black plums ro

The 2022 Vieux Château Certan has a wonderful bouquet, surprisingly classic in style given the warmth of the growing season, with black fruit laced with Earl Grey and loamy aromas. The oak is supremely well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, lightly spiced and quite peppery in style, with a sophisticated, silky-smooth finish. Oh yeah. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

The 2022 Vieux Château Certan has a wonderful bouquet, surprisingly classic in style given the warmth of the growing season, with black fruit laced with Earl Grey and loamy aromas. The oak is supremely well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fin

The 2022 Vieux Château Certan is deep and harmonious, unwinding in the glass with aromas of inky blackberries and cherries mingled with scents of burning embers, truffle and lilac. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's rich and enveloping, its concentrated core of sweet fruit framed by powdery tannins and juicy acids. Integrated, complete and precise, this blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant vintage for Vieux Château Certan.

The 2022 Vieux Château Certan is deep and harmonious, unwinding in the glass with aromas of inky blackberries and cherries mingled with scents of burning embers, truffle and lilac. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's rich and enveloping, its concentrated

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample.Powerful but elegant at the same time. Floral notes with a hint of violet. Enticing, juicy extract and tannins that are present but plush and smooth. Long and well balanced with grip on th

Tasted blind. Some oak and something a little angular. Sweet, purple-fruited start and then an unexpectedly dry finish. Almost a hint of oak-shavings chewiness on the end. (JR)

Tasted blind. Some oak and something a little angular. Sweet, purple-fruited start and then an unexpectedly dry finish. Almost a hint of oak-shavings chewiness on the end. (JR)