Vieux Château Certan 2025, Pomerol

Recommended

IN BOND

Delivery 2028

Appellation - Pomerol

Owner - Alexandre Thienpont

The 2024 yield here was down to 30 hl/ha and the blend is 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Second wines – La Gravette de Certan

Annual production – 70,000 bottles

TASTING NOTES

The 2025 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 8 to 15 at 22 hl/ha and includes two conjoining parcels normally used for the La Gravette. It is raised in two-thirds new oak, the remainder one-year-old. The Merlot sculpts the bouquet with perfumed red cherries, raspberry, cassis and pressed violet scents that gain intensity in the glass. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, with powdery tannins on the entry. This must be one of the most peppery VCCs that I have tasted, poivre noir from the Cabernet Franc component. Quite structured, with chalky tannins on the finish, almost as if it came from more limestone soil. Not a crowd pleaser like the 2022, but an intellectual, vertical VCC that will flesh out in barrel. 14.01% alcohol. Drink 2033-2060.
95/97
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2026