1989 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
1989 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
As the quintessence of a fine claret matures in both complexity and depth, the 1989 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan emerges as an opulent tapestry woven from the rich tapestry of the Pomerol terroir. This vintage, forged in the warmth of an exceptional Bordeaux summer, transcends its contemporaries with a harmonious balance so rarely achieved.
Eloquence in a Bottle: Investing in Excellence
The astute investor recognises that certain vintages transcend mere quality, entering the realm of legendary status, and such is the case with the 1989 harvest. Famed for its early approachability and longevity, this esteemed offering from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan bestows upon those privileged to partake, a narrative of that bounteous year.
A Symphony of Seasoned Vine and Generous Climate
The moderate winter and spring that year paved the way for near-ideal conditions: warm June days followed by consistently hot July weather led to early veraison, allowing for perfect phenolic ripeness come harvest. The 1989 vintage is thus characterised by an undeniably plush texture which cloaks a finely chiselled structure—a juxtaposition of power and finesse that has come to define the hallmark of Pomerol's most venerated bottles.
Once uncorked, this illustrious wine releases a bouquet suffused with ripe black fruits, truffles, and whispers of aromatic exotic spices which are but the prelude to a gustatory performance on the palate boasting layers of dark plum, silky tannins and an enduring finish that speaks volumes of its impeccable crafting.
For discerning collectors or investors seeking to augment their portfolios with a wine of substantial pedigree and provenance, the 1989 Vieux Ch. Certan stands as one of the most cogent expressions of Bordeaux's viticultural prowess—a true reflection of a stellar year that has come to full maturation yet promises further revelations with time. As the curtains slowly draw on this consummate creation from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, connoisseurs will no doubt be engrossed by its enduring narrative—one that reverberates across decades.
Market price (CAD)
$3,500.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
150
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted from bottle at Mark Walford's annual lunch at Waterside Inn. This bottle is consistent with several other tasted over the last couple of years. It has a captivating bouquet with scents of mulberry, clove and cedar, a hint of roasted chestnut in the background. It gains intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, perhaps a little tighter than I have discerned compared to other bottles, but it retains that gorgeous garrigues-infused finish. Wonderful. Tasted May 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013
The 1989 Vieux Château Certan has long been one of my favorite wines of that decade. The bouquet shows no signs of relinquishing that title with gorgeous black truffle, bay leaf, warm gravel and briary scents that are simply beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, "warm earth" on the entry, leather and truffle, great depth here with sublime precision on the finish, which is bridled with hints of mushroom and cloves. Maybe this is reaching its peak? Then again, it shows absolutely no signs of reaching the end of its plateau. This is nothing short of a wondrous Pomerol from Alexandre Thienpont. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016
The last two tastings have been better than early tastings, suggesting I underrated the wine. It is still somewhat austere, with a rather evolved dark garnet color already revealing some amber. The wine shows some sweet plums, currants, with some dusty earth overtones and a hint of dried herbs. The wine is medium-bodied, sweet on the front end, but a bit astringent at the rear. The wine could probably benefit from several more years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. Last tasted, 1/02.
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003