Vieux Château Certan
La Gravette de Certan Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
This was my Coravin test. It wasn’t ready a number yrs ago. I put it back in the cellar lying on its side. It survived pleasantly. Did not decant.
2004 not the best Bordeaux vintage but there it was in the store reasonably priced. So, I bought this one. Always curious. The 2nd wine from one of my favorite Right Bank producers, Vieux Chateau Certan. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.
The nose shows ripe & slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets.
The palate has M rounded, dry tannins. The fruits are ripe, juicy, ruby/lush & slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices w/ heat, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, dark chocolate baking bar to pudding, mocha, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, some volcanic minerals, hints of menthol, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets, beautiful acidity with a smartly polished, elegant finish that has length, balance & tone that lasts nearly two-minutes.
Moved between 90-92. Ended 92. Enjoyed w/ a medium rare plus Ribcap. Has another 7-10 yrs of road ahead.
This was my Coravin test. It wasn’t ready a number yrs ago. I put it back in the cellar lying on its side. It survived pleasantly. Did not decant.
2004 not the best Bordeaux vintage but there it was in the store reasonably priced. So, I bought this one. Always curious. The 2nd wine from one of my favorite Right Bank producers, Vieux Chateau Certan. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.
The nose shows ripe & slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets.
The palate has M rounded, dry tannins. The fruits are ripe, juicy, ruby/lush & slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & plum. Beautiful, gentle, dark spices w/ heat, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, mid to dark colas, steeped black tea, anise to some black licorice, dark chocolate baking bar to pudding, mocha, understated graphite/dry tobacco, undertones of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & just a slight touch of vanillin,dry crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, moist clay, some volcanic minerals, hints of menthol, brilliant red florals, red roses, dark flowers framed in violets, beautiful acidity with a smartly polished, elegant finish that has length, balance & tone that lasts nearly two-minutes.
Moved between 90-92. Ended 92. Enjoyed w/ a medium rare plus Ribcap. Has another 7-10 yrs of road ahead.
Violet flowers and dark chocolate caramel on the nose. Dry dark chocolatity/dark fruit tannins, black tea, chalky medicine, medium vanilla barrel toast and still a bit astringent. Needs another 8-10 years in the bottle. My rating jumps another 3-5 points in another 8-10 years. #velvety #potential
Violet flowers and dark chocolate caramel on the nose. Dry dark chocolatity/dark fruit tannins, black tea, chalky medicine, medium vanilla barrel toast and still a bit astringent. Needs another 8-10 years in the bottle. My rating jumps another 3-5 points in another 8-10 years. #velvety #potential
Aug 9th, 2015
Very generous nose, showing well considering a so-so vintage proves producer rule is indeed true esp with Monsieur Thienpont. Cherry skin, plum, mineral cut, with great acidity and medium fine tannins.
Very generous nose, showing well considering a so-so vintage proves producer rule is indeed true esp with Monsieur Thienpont. Cherry skin, plum, mineral cut, with great acidity and medium fine tannins.
Dec 16th, 2013Lovely wine, sensual and silky textbook Pomerol. The tannins are fine and supple. The nose is not that revealing, not surprising for me for a 2004. Floral violets, cherry and tobacco rise from the glass. The palate is well balanced, however one should decant as it took about 2.5 hours to start to open up.
Lovely wine, sensual and silky textbook Pomerol. The tannins are fine and supple. The nose is not that revealing, not surprising for me for a 2004. Floral violets, cherry and tobacco rise from the glass. The palate is well balanced, however one should decant as it took about 2.5 hours to start to open up.
May 1st, 2013
This is fabulous. a second right bank bordeaux with wonderful balance. beautiful blend of Merlot and .. whats that other grape called? really approachable and very smooth tannins. velvety with licorice and earthly tones. fantastic. wine.
This is fabulous. a second right bank bordeaux with wonderful balance. beautiful blend of Merlot and .. whats that other grape called? really approachable and very smooth tannins. velvety with licorice and earthly tones. fantastic. wine.
Jan 19th, 2017
Delicious dark cherry & plum notes. Medium tannins.
Delicious dark cherry & plum notes. Medium tannins.
Nov 27th, 2014