Vieux Château Certan 2016 300cl

The 2016 Vieux Château Certan is blended of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with pristine, vivid notions of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry compote and mulberries with fragrant touches of raspberry leaves, crushed rocks, licorice, cumin seed and yeast extract plus a waft of red roses. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully elegant, the palate builds from a quiet intensity to an incredibly well-sustained aria of crunchy red and black cherries notes plus tons of floral undertones, framed by exquisitely soft yet firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with lingering mineral and floral sparks. How does this 2016 compare to the also amazing 2015 vintage? Stylistically they are very different, as my notes on each should convey, but beyond this I am struck by the incredible harmony and seamlessness of the 2016 along with its amazing depth and energy this year. Bravo!<br/>Bottled at the beginning of June 2018 using a new, dedicated on-site bottling line, this 2016 vintage of Vieux Château Certan is the most hauntingly vivid and achingly beautiful expression of this vineyard I have ever tasted. When I asked Alexandre Thienpont and his son Guillaume about how they came to achieve such a remarkable wine, they explained the extraordinary efforts taken this year. “We worked a lot this year on vigor,” Alexandre explained. “Tannin ripeness was the key. Finally, the rains in September gave the vines enough energy to push the tannins through.” Other measures included deleafing in two passes, crop thinning and meticulous sorting in the vineyards and winery. “We marked the vines that suffered from the dry conditions and did not include them in blends.” The results of this duo’s extraordinary efforts combined with an already great growing season is pure perfection that will make your heart race from the moment you take that first transfixing sniff.

A horse of a different color among its peers in this vintage, featuring an extremely vivid core of pastis-soaked plum, cassis and blackberry fruit streaming forth. Muscular yet imbued with racy cut, the finish ripples along the edges, with sweet tobacco, warm gravel and ganache notes. A violet hint glistens here and there for added effect. Power and vivacity make a thrilling combo. Best from 2023 through 2040. 3,750 cases made. — JM