Tasting Notes

92
Vinous Neal Martin - 30 Jul 24
The 1999 Vieux Château Certan comes from a vintage that Alexandre Thienpont describes as a "Merlot year", comprising 85% of the blend. Picked at slightly higher yields than the previous vintage (38hl/ha), this has a disarmingly attractive bouquet: well-defined with black fruit, truffle and subtle gravelly scents. This is focused and fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fresh and spicier than the 1998. It's not a VCC of untrammeled power, yet it has real precision on the sapid finish. It's still holding something back, and it is a Pomerol that I would like to cellar longer based on this bottle. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
Drinking Date: 2026 - 2044
Pomerol Fine Wine

Pomerol

Pomerol, a prestigious Bordeaux Right Bank appellation, is famous for luxurious, velvety red wines primarily based on Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc. These wines are rich and opulent, with soft tannins and flavours of ripe plum, blackberry, truffle, chocolate, and earthy undertones, featuring a silky texture and lingering finish. Top producers include Château Pétrus, known for its depth and ageing potential; Château Le Pin, celebrated for purity and finesse; and Château La Conseillante and Château Trotanoy, known for elegance and power.