One of the top wines of the vintage is the exquisite 2006 Vieux Chateau Certan. A blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, it is a stunningly rich effort boasting an inky/blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of forest floor, coffee, toast, and extravagant levels of black currants and blackberries. Hints of charcoal and flowers add to the wine`s exquisite character. What`s remarkable in this full-bodied wine is that nearly 100% new oak is used, yet the oak is largely drowned out by the wine`s concentration and complex personality. This full-bodied Vieux Chateau Certan should be reasonably approachable in 3-4 years but last for at least three decades. This great success merits kudos to proprietor Alexandre Thienpont. 96 points

The rating is soaring. This wine includes the very old vines of cabernet francs that were planted in 1958 which did not make it into the blend of the 2009. This is a hell of a vintage of Vieux Chateau Certan! Above all, the wine is successful for its noble cedar nose associated with a creamy character. Subtle, silky, it nevertheless proves powerful on the mid-palate, then melts and finishes long over a fine grain of tannins. This is a great wine. I have tasted it undecanted. Decanting would have increased its rating. Wait until 2013 and drink before 2040. 96 points