Vieux Château Certan 2025 en Primeur

Subtle and pure, with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, pencil shavings and touches of raspberries, flowers, oyster shells and iodine. Medium-bodied with subtle and integrated tannins that run the length of the wine and make you want to drink it. The length and finesse are sublime. A mineral, stone and light cement texture. It grows beautiful in the great finish. 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.

An outstanding VCC this year and one of the picks of Pomerol. Deep aromatics of dark black fruit that stays cool with some liquorice and cola, plus a soft floral fragrance and chocolate creaminess. Inky and really vibrant colour in the glass. Smooth and supple, both creamy and chalky with black fruit and a heady savoury spiced aspect. I love the stickiness – there’s a chew but it remains cool and lifted, nothing heavy, more comforting like a big hug – velvety, charming and almost sensuous. Acidity doesn't stick out, the focus is on complexity and remarkable texture with ripe tannins. Density is there yet it doesn't feel heavy. Ends so cool with lots of cola, a touch of iron and stones, fresh mint and savoury herbaceousness. Absolutely beautiful, hedonistic and so long. 3.75pH. A yield of 22hl/ha. Ageing two thirds new oak, one third one-year-old barrels.

Bursting with aromas of violets, crème de cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan is medium- to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with a sun-kissed core of fruit, ripe acids and a dense, unctuous palate, concluding with a heady finish. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is quite serious and structured, with sweet tannin, and it checks in at 14% alcohol.