In Bond Fine Wine. 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (AG). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Vieux Chateau Certan is one of Pomerol's most distinguished names, sittign on the famed plateau alongside Petrus, Lafleur and Le Pin. Vieux Chateau Certan (VCC) champions balance, harmony, and classical poise which can make it less immediately showy in youth but the reward is a wine of profound depth with grace. Neal Martin called 2014 VCC a "ballerina Pomerol", while 2020 was "a Pomerol whose engine purrs like a vintage Rolls Royce", founded on complexity and an unerring sense of terroir.
Neal Martin (NM) — 96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 31/03/2017 · Drink 2020-2050
The 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is a blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked in three stages: 19-20 September, 29 September to 2 October, and 7 and 8 October. The yields came in at 38.7 hectoliters per hectare with 13.4% alcohol. It was one of my stars of the vintage and now in bottle, I find no reason to change that. It is endowed with an exquisite bouquet, really…
James Suckling (JS) — 95–96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 27/03/2015
There's a purity of fruit in this wine that shows the soil and uniqueness with wet earth, tobacco, mushroom and red fruits. Full and silky with fine tannins and a fresh finish. The 20% cabernet franc makes this wine great. It's like a wonderfully cut ruby.
Albany Vintners (AV) — 96–98/100 · -, 24/04/2015
Deep ruby. Expressive with violets and mineral notes, plum and pure cassis. Purity and elegance with a very gentle milk chocolate mouthfeel leading to a long blackforest gateau finish. The tannins are extremely soft and ripe. Harmony, delicacy - this is seriously beautiful.