1996 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
1996 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Imbued with the quintessence of Pomerol’s opulent terroir, the 1996 Vieux Ch. Certan stands as a testament to a year that challenged Bordeaux's vignerons yet ultimately yielded wines of distinctive character and age-worthiness. An heirloom masterpiece from the storied plots of Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan,
Gems of a Peculiar Vintage
The 1996 vintage was marked by a peculiar climatic tug-of-war between nature's elements, necessitating astute vineyard management and judicious selection in the chai. My familiarity with the estate’s chronology amplifies my reverence for how this vintage's expression pinnacles the intricate alchemy of weather and winemaker fortitude.
The Canvas of ‘96: Seeking Investment Fortuity
Investors seeking depth and robust returns will find this wine an intricate thesis on Pomerol's ability to thrive even under climatic caprices. With a firm structure underpinning its evolution, the 1996 Vieux Ch. Certan displays a profile ennobled by time: tertiary inflections of truffle and cigar box majestically interwoven with vestiges of ripe Merlot – black cherry and plum – and now, the developing silken patina of aged Cabernet Franc imbuing hints of dried petals and anise.
The tannins, once assertively poised, are now graciously integrated, affording this gem a luxurious texture - remnant yet of its youthful vigor while now telling also the tales written in its seasoned years.
As I contemplate this sentient potion born from Pomerol's hallowed earth, it’s evident that for those resolved to navigate the nuanced waters of fine wine investment, acquiring bottles or cases of 1996 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan makes for not simply a sound proposition but an occasion to possess a snapshot of vinicultural mastery transcending time and trend. With every revered sip, investors and connoisseurs alike are beckoned back to that climatically atypical year that serendipitously bestowed us with an enduring classic.Market price (CAD)
$3,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
189
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted from bottle at Mark Walford's annual lunch at Waterside Inn. Alexandre Thienpont produced a commendable VCC in a difficult vintage. It has an open-knit, inviting bouquet with dark plum, cherry and roasted chestnuts emerging with time. There is still just a tincture of brettanomyces here, although less evident compared to other bottles. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, clean line of acidity. The fruit profile is black rather than red with notes of Chinese tea and a touch of mint on the finish. Very fine, although I cannot see it improving from here. Tasted May 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013
Tasted three times from bottle in January, the 1996 merited a slightly higher score on one occasion, but my policy is to go with the more conservative rating. The wine exhibits a dark plum color, and a complex nose of roasted herbs, Asian spices, earth, and sweet black cherry fruit. A refined claret, with excellent concentration, a sweet mid-palate, and moderate tannin in the finish, it is a finesse-styled Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 April 1999