Vieux Chateau Certan Grand Vin Pomerol 2018 - 750 mL

2018 Vieux Château Certan

Overview
Vieux Château Certan is one of the most renowned estates in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, celebrated for its complex, age-worthy wines. Situated on the Pomerol plateau, it consistently produces wines that rival even the most iconic Bordeaux estates. The 2018 vintage is particularly noteworthy due to its exceptional quality, driven by a combination of ideal weather conditions and meticulous winemaking practices.

History of Vieux Château Certan

Dating back to the 16th century, Vieux Château Certan is one of Pomerol's oldest estates. Owned by the Thienpont family since 1924, it has built a reputation for producing elegant and refined wines. Alexandre Thienpont and his son Guillaume oversee operations, maintaining the château’s traditions while embracing modern techniques.

Terroir and Vineyards

The estate spans 14 hectares on the prized plateau of Pomerol, with a unique mix of clay and gravel soils that are ideal for the region’s grape varieties. The vineyard is divided into small parcels, each vinified separately to bring out the unique characteristics of the terroir.

Grape Composition for the 2018 Vintage:

• Merlot: 70%
• Cabernet Franc: 30%

This blend reflects the estate’s emphasis on balance, with Merlot providing opulence and fruit while Cabernet Franc adds structure and aromatic complexity.

The 2018 Vintage

The 2018 growing season was marked by challenges early in the year, including significant rainfall and mildew pressure. However, a warm, dry summer followed, ensuring perfect ripening of the grapes. The resulting wines are rich, concentrated, and harmonious, with remarkable freshness despite their power.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep garnet with purple hues.
• Nose: Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with floral notes of violets and hints of graphite, truffle, and cedar.
• Palate: Full-bodied and layered, offering a rich core of dark fruit flavors, complemented by chocolate, tobacco, and spice. The velvety tannins provide a luxurious texture, while a bright acidity keeps the wine balanced.
• Finish: Exceptionally long and elegant, with a lingering interplay of fruit, earthiness, and minerality.

Ageing Potential

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan has outstanding ageing potential due to its robust structure and fine balance. While it can be enjoyed now with proper decanting, it will continue to evolve beautifully for 20–30 years or more, making it an excellent addition to any cellar.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with rich and savory dishes, including:

• Lamb dishes, such as herb-crusted lamb racks
• Duck confit
• Beef tenderloin or steak au poivre
• Mushroom risotto
• Aged cheeses, like Gruyère or Stilton

Investment Potential

The 2018 vintage of Vieux Château Certan is a sought-after collector's item. Its high critical acclaim, exceptional terroir, and limited production make it a valuable investment. As with other great Pomerols, the wine's rarity and ageability ensure its desirability in the secondary market.

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan represents the pinnacle of Pomerol winemaking—a blend of opulence, finesse, and terroir-driven character, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.