Vieux Château Certan 2025

Vieux Château Certan is one of the oldest estates in Pomerol, dating to around 1700 and held by the Thienpont family. The blend is led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc and a little Cabernet Sauvignon, the typical Pomerol balance. The estate sits on the Pomerol plateau, where gravel mixed with clay and a band of iron-rich subsoil gives wines their depth, structure and the savoury character associated with this corner of the Right Bank. The maritime climate of Bordeaux is moderated by the Atlantic and the rivers, giving a long, even ripening season. After fermentation the wine is aged for 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and knits the fruit to a frame of cocoa and cedar. The wine is deep ruby. The nose shows blackberry, black plum and red berries over tobacco, earth and a fine oak spice. On the palate it is full bodied and elegant, the tannins firm but polished, with a long savoury finish. This is a wine to cellar, but already complex. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast or braised red meat.