Gilbert Van Hassel

9.5

At almost 25 years old still an infant. Needs considerable time in the glass to open up. Lead pencil and cedar box, pronounced but delicate tannins. Not yet at plateau. — 3 days ago

Tom Garland

9.4

+1 hour decant(some fine/chunky sediment). A splendid crimson red color. On the nose: wonderful bouquet with plum, stewed meat, cassis, sweet tobacco, funky earth, leather. Taste: silky, finessed, balanced wine with red berries/plum, coffee grounds, cedar, tobacco, and a nice peppery pencil lead long finish. YUM! Pure class in a glass. — 2 months ago

with Brenda

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2020 vintage. So if the 2018 vintage of this wine (didn't taste the 2019 effort) was the Galactus-destroyer of (known) worlds-with otherworldly tannins (it is/was), this is the (initially) compliant Silver Surfer version with raspberry, sandalwood and milk chocolate covered almonds in the mix. Day and night. Night and day. Cole Porter was onto something there. Opened and tasted after 30 mins. Medium body. Pleasant. Balanced. Agreeable. Slightly dryish but able to easily link a noun and a verb without first responder assistance. Hint of Chambord/old-school leaden wine neck capsule/foil/metallic accent on the finish. Drinking great already but enough development already to hold onto a few to trace over the next decade and a half. Should be found under $36 or so USD. 7.23.24. — 4 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

Paulee. A baby. Rich, ripe and powerful. In 10-15 years, this should be amazing! — 2 months ago

Kenneth

9.1

15% alcohol, deep ruby, ripe plum, full body, fruity, black currant, jammy, med tannic, alcohol little over, need breath, high acidity, quite oaky, vanilla, tobacco. $295 good price — 2 months ago

Brent S

9.0

If you like…bitter…this is for you. — 3 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

Still tightly wound. Needs another 5-10. — 4 months ago

Damian

9.2

Dark ruby color, medium acidity with high tannins. Smell of plum, dark fruit and earth. Taste of blackberry, blackcurrant, leather with hints of chocolate and a long finish. — 2 months ago

Pooneet K

9.3

First time trying this. Opened 8 hours before and decanted for 4, which I’d suggest at this stage. I don’t think I would have guessed Bordeaux blind, probably would have gone something from Piedmont. Not actually giving a ton on the nose, but quite nice and deep plum / purple fruited / leathery on the palate. Hauntingly balanced finish that goes on and on. Very nice. — 3 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan, which contains 30% Cabernet Franc, has a commendable bouquet given the heat of that season. Blackberry, a touch of damson, scorched earth and light violet scents emerge with aeration. That said, it doesn't fully have the delineation of the previous vintage. The palate is powerful and typically burly for VCC, yet it has a lovely powdery texture (less silky than before) with a vibrant, peppery and persistent finish. Maybe not as opulent as it once was, but it is unquestionably one of the superior Pomerols. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
— 3 months ago