{"product_id":"2023-vieux-chateau-certan","title":"2023 Vieux Château Certan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Vieux Château Certan is the latest release from one of Pomerol’s most revered estates, offering a poised and classically styled expression of top Right Bank Bordeaux. In a vintage that favors elegance, freshness and fine-grained tannins, this wine showcases the estate’s hallmark balance between power and finesse. Long sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, Vieux Château Certan remains a benchmark for Merlot-based Bordeaux of depth and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2023 Vieux Château Certan presents a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, hinting at both concentration and youthful energy. The nose is refined and layered, with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and wild berries interwoven with notes of violet, graphite, subtle cedar, and a touch of dark chocolate and warm spice.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is precise and beautifully poised, with a seamless texture that combines plush, ripe fruit with a lively line of freshness. Silky yet structured tannins frame flavors of blackcurrant, plum compote, and red cherry, supported by hints of tobacco leaf, truffle, and fine oak. The finish is long, pure and gently mineral, suggesting a promising evolution in bottle. While already impressive in its youth, the 2023 has clear aging potential; under proper cellaring conditions, it should develop further complexity and tertiary nuances over 15–25 years or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVieux Château Certan lies on the famed Pomerol plateau in Bordeaux, where the gravel and clay soils—some of the finest in the appellation—are particularly suited to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate’s old vines and carefully maintained parcels yield naturally low but concentrated crops. Grapes are typically harvested by hand, with rigorous sorting to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy berries make it into the final cuvée. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel, often in temperature-controlled vats, allowing the character of each plot and grape variety to be expressed before meticulous blending. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new, to add structure, polish, and subtle complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis refined Pomerol is a natural partner for classic dishes such as roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast, or veal with morel mushrooms. It also complements rich poultry dishes, truffled risottos, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or matured Gouda. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and velvety texture. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to let the wine open fully; as it matures, a gentle, shorter decanting will help separate any sediment while preserving its more delicate nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVieux Château Certan is one of the oldest and most esteemed properties in Pomerol, with origins dating back to the 18th century. Today it is owned and run by the Thienpont family, who have played a central role in elevating the reputation of Right Bank Bordeaux wines around the world. The estate is renowned for its exceptional terroir and meticulous attention to detail, consistently producing wines that are ranked among the greatest of Pomerol and of Bordeaux as a whole. Vieux Château Certan’s track record of critically acclaimed vintages and its unwavering pursuit of balance, elegance, and age-worthiness have secured its place as a reference point for collectors and connoisseurs alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vieux Château Certan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251894800721,"sku":"GCW-VIEU-23001","price":325.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2018_Vieux_Chteau_Certan_1.png?v=1783442162","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2023-vieux-chateau-certan","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}