2008 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol 6×1.5L

Vinous 93

The 2008 Vieux Château Certan has a timid bouquet at first and demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. I wonder if this is in the middle of a closed down phase? This VCC seems to leave all the action on the palate: filigree tannin, a silver bead of acidity, very pure and complex towards the finish with truffle and smoke infusing the red berry fruit. Wonderful persistence (as usual for VCC). Keep it for a few more years is what Alexandre Thienpont suggests and who am I to disagree. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.) [Neal Martin, 01/02/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040

Robert Parker 94

This bottle is consistent with previous examples. The nose is very generous, though not ostentatious with plenty of vibrant, here quite glossy red fruit mixed with a touch of oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied, more foursquare than I recollect but still with that classic sense of symmetry and poise towards the finish. Alexandre Thienpont created a superb VCC in 2008, one destined for longevity. Tasted June 2013. [Neal Martin, 06/01/2013]

JancisRobinson.com 17.5+

65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cool summer delayed ripening. Started to pick 28 September. Bit of sediment. Deep crimson. Maturing rim. Nicely married nose with slight inkiness. Really chunky texture. Tannins are quite notable, and slightly furry somehow, but there is good ripe, well-integrated fruit, tannin and acidity on the way to maturity. A sturdy VCC, very much of the vintage. A wine for traditionalists. (JR) [06/06/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2043