2011 Vieux Chateau Certan (Pomerol)

The 2011 Vieux Chateau Certan, which the Thienponts compare to 1983 and 1988, has a much lighter, simpler bouquet compared to the previous vintage. Maybe a bit conservative with tobacco-tinged black fruit, though it opens nicely with shavings of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, firm tannins that frame the black fruit laced with cracked black pepper and graphite. Vibrant and vivacious, this is drinking well but has the substance to age in bottle. A dark horse! 93 points