2020 Vieux Ch. Certan
By Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan
2020 Vieux Ch. Certan from Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2020 vintage from the venerated terroirs of Pomerol by Chateau Vieux Ch. Certan proffers an exemplary testament to Bordeaux's resiliency and the estate’s adroitness in a year marked by climatic challenges. These wines, with their profound complexity, have captured the discerning palates of fine wine investors who seek both pedigree and poise in their cellar acquisitions.
A Vintage Defined by Vigilance and Virtue
For connoisseurs tracking the tapestry of seasonal variations in Pomerol, the 2020 Vieux Ch. Certan is a touchstone for opulence balanced by finesse—a hallmark of this bastion of winemaking wizardry. The vintage was sculpted by a unique growing season that demanded meticulous attention to detail from vigneron to cellar master, testing their virtuosity in vineyard stewardship.
An Ode to Sensory Excellence
The 2020 vintage befits the synonymity of Pomerol with plush, merlot-driven magnificence. This particular assemblage melds ripeness with resolution, fluently articulating the classic Pomerolan narrative of power tethered with elegance. The bouquet ensconces one in a fragrant embrace of dark cherries and subtle hints of truffle—an homage to its noble terroir—and underpinned by a delicate minerality and structured tannins, this wine portends impressive longevity.
This wine is a nuanced symphony, presenting an initial flourish of black fruit-heavy chords transitioning to a dénouement where notes of chocolate and anise softly linger. The balance achieved in 2020 is the result of neither happenstance nor hyperbole but through harmonised horticultural precision.
The Investment Merits: A Cerebral Pursuit
When guiding fine wine investors towards judicious acquisitions, one must consider not only the hedonic joys but also the tangible attributes that prescribe value increment. In this respect, 2020 Vieux Ch. Certan emerges as an astute addition to any collection. Its poised evolution over time promises not only a sensory rapture but also robust potential for value appreciation.
In the constellation of majestic Pomerol offerings, this vintage stands as a shining beacon—one whose celestial qualities will ascend in the firmament of fine wine legacy.
Market price (SGD)
$4,400.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
138.95
Scores and tasting notes
The 2020 Vieux Château Certan is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, picked on the 14th to the 24th of September for the Merlot, then on the 28th and 29th of September for the Cabernet Franc. The pH is 3.77 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Deep purple-black colored, it needs considerable coaxing, swirling and a lot of patience before it finally lets rip an intoxicating perfume of ripe, juicy black plums, Morello cherries, candied violets, black truffles and crushed rocks, giving way to hints of black tea, molten licorice and Sichuan pepper, plus a waft of dusty red soil. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers achingly ripe, silt-like tannins and shimmering freshness that melds with the black fruits and earthy layers with jaw-dropping seamlessness, finishing with layer upon layer of mineral and savory suggestions and, finally, a gorgeous floral whisper. There are going to be two ways to approach this: 1) Just let the remarkably sensual, inexplicable beauty of it wash over you or 2) Try to unravel all those intricate layers and have it blow you mind. Either way, this is simply an incredible achievement—bravo Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 20 May 2021