Chateau Vieux Chateau Certan 2018 Bouteille (75cl)

Reviewed by

Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Published

2021-03-31

Drink Date

2027 - 2057

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with 14.4% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 77. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is locked down tight at this youthful stage, requiring a lot of patient swirling to release a profound powerhouse of a perfume: preserved plums, blueberry compote, ripe black cherries and boysenberries, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, lilacs, espresso and licorice, plus a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has an amazing sense of cohesiveness. There are no edges to the seamless flow of exquisitely fine-grained tannins and perfectly knit acidity, beautifully framing the blue and black fruits, which are at once elegant and also so, so rich. It finishes with many slowly lapping waves of minerals and exotic spices, which just go on and on. It is a wine that is, simply put, an experience not to be missed. Give it a good 6-8 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 30 years or more.

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Reviewed by

Aldo Fiordelli

Published

2024-06-06

Toasted notes dominate the the nose at first, followed by precise red-fruit character, as well as hints of clove and praline. The attack is lush and rich, creamy and chocolatey, with full body, youthful character, good weight, velvety tannins and crisp acidity. Nicely spicy finish. Impressively well handled for a warm vintage, with thick yet ripe tannins. Best after 2030.

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Reviewed by

Jancis Robinson

Published

2024-06-06

Drink Date

2030 - 2055

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. ‘The first half of 2018 was marked by mild temperatures and heavy rainfall. At the end of May, after optimal flowering, a hot and dry summer set in for a long period. Water reserves, built up over the spring, enabled the vines to cope with the severe drought during the summer. The old vines, their vigour slowed by this drought, produced deep-coloured, concentrated wines.’ Slightly weaker deep crimson than the 2017. Less dramatic and attention-grabbing than the 2017. Lightly gamey nose and extremely rich fruit without quite the freshness. Rather blurred though leathery and not quite the precision of 2017. Slightly drying finish though it will surely have a great future.

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