Vieux Chateau Certan Pomerol 2022

Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Pomerol)

Varietal: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry

Producer: Chateau Certan de May

Description:
Alexandre Thienpont has been making sensational VCCs for several years from the venerable old vines of this exceptionally well situated vineyard. The oldest Merlots were planted in 1932 and the oldest Cabernet Francs in 1948. This is one of the great properties of Pomerol and it normally has a high (for the appellation) percentage of Cabernet in the blend. 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard.

The 2022 yield here was 35 hl/ha and the blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon - all old vines. The 2nd wine will be made from 100% young vine Merlot. Alexandre described VCC 2022 as having the elegance of the 2019 with the structure of the 2020.

100/100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
The 2022 Vieux Château Certan spent 18 months in two-thirds new French oak. Incredible aromatics of blackcurrants, mulled cherries, chocolate, woodsmoke, and flowery, spicy nuances all give way to a full-bodied Vieux Château Certan that builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless overall balance, a deep, layered mouthfeel, and velvety tannins. I love everything about this beauty, and while it's almost impossible to resist today, it's going to benefit from a decade in the cellar and shine for 40+ years. 2035 - 2075 

98/100 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
The 2022 Vieux Chateau Certan is deep garnet-purple in colour. After a swirl or two, notes of black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and juicy black plums rocket out of the glass, followed by suggestions of star anise, lilacs, rose oil, and truffles with a waft of fertile loam. The full-bodied palate slowly grows in the mouth with layers of emerging mineral, floral, and exotic spice nuances intertwined with concentrated black fruits, supported by super-plush tannins and perfectly knit freshness, culminating in a very long-lasting firework display of floral and spice notes. 

99/100 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
This is full-bodied with fine tannins that spread out across the palate, a dusty cashmere texture kicking in at the end. So caressing and pleasing, I can’t spit. Drink in 2029 and beyond. 

98/100 Points - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
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 is a brilliant vintage for Vieux Château Certan. 2030 - 2055

Food Matches: Beef, Lamb Soft Cheese