The 2010 Vieux Chateau Certan, a blend of 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Production was lower than in 2009 and the alcohol slightly higher, but the pH is 3.7, which is surprisingly reasonable given the lofty power and alcoholic clout this full-bodied wine possesses. Dense purple-colored , the 2010 displays a vivid yet astonishing array of spice box, red, blue and black fruits, crushed rock and spring flowers. The oak is well-concealed behind the lavish concentration and richness. Exceptionally pure, this unbelievable wine flirts with perfection. Unfortunately, there is 20% less of it than in 2009, and the tannins warrant a good 8-10 years of cellaring, as I suspect it could actually close down. This is another 40- to 50-year effort in 2010 that should elicit considerable interest from wine consumers. - WA, RP (2/2013)
A stunner, this marries structured tobacco, ganache and loam notes to a glorious core of raspberry, blackberry and plum coulis flavors, accented by coffee, roasted mesquite and black tea aromatics. A terrific minerality courses throughout, with the finish letting power and refinement play out almost endlessly. Best from 2017 through 2040. 3,500 cases made. — JM (03/2013)
Good deep ruby. Spicy aromas of blueberry, licorice, minerals, flowers and bitter chocolate. Sweet, suave and deep, with lovely lift to the complex cabernet franc-driven violet, cocoa and white pepper flavors. Firmly structured and long on the refined, youthfully chewy, tannic finish. This 2010 will really need at least a few years to expand, but will probably always remain a more austere wine than the 2009. I think will also prove to be a very ageworthy VCC.- Stephen Tanzer (07/2013)
Producer: Vieux Chateau Certan
Vintage: 2010
Varietal: Red Blend
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pomerol
Appellation:
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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