2025 Vieux Chateau Certan (Pomerol)

80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

As the name suggests, this is one of the oldest estates in Pomerol. The modern era here began in 1924, when Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont arrived. Among his many other innovations, he introduced the famous pink capsule so he could see at a glance how much of his wine was in other people’s cellars. These days, it is his descendants Alexandre and Guillaume who manage the property, with immense respect. Lying between Pétrus and Le Pin, the vineyards are spread across a mix of heavy clays planted to Merlot (75% of the total), clay-gravels planted to Cabernet Franc (20% of the total), and a gravel-heavy section planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (5% of the total). Vines are aged between 20-80 years (compare that to the Pomerol average vine age of 30).

With yields of only 22hl/ha, concentration in 2025 Vieux Château Certan is naturally very high. Aromatically, the characteristic Merlot plum is given depth by the ripe Cabernet Franc, and a floral note that Guillaume Theinpont defined as ‘between wisteria and chamomile’. In the mouth, there is a surprising savoury-salty element underneath the very velvety tannins. This is a stop-you-in-your-tracks exquisite wine. (NT 10/06/26)