The 2005 Vieux Château Certan is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that was raised all in new oak. It needs air to show at its best and has a ripe yet inward profile in its red and black currants, smoked tobacco, graphite, and spice. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a tight, focused mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. A beautiful, classic, elegant yet structured Vieux Château Certan, it’s just now at the first part of its prime maturity drink window. It will evolve gracefully over the coming 20-30 years in cold cellars.

Bright, deep ruby-red. Aromas of dark berries, licorice, bitter chocolate and toasty oak. Very fresh and tightly wound, with a superb core of primary black fruit flavor. Highly concentrated but currently closed in on itself and dominated by the oak. Best today on the finish, where the density and breadth of the wine are apparent and the tannins are serious but sweet. A wonderfully stylish, vibrant merlot-dominated wine. The crop level in 2005 was 39 hectoliters per hectare, according to Thienpont, who describes this wine as "very Pomerol."

A stunning effort from Alexander Thienpont, the 2005 Vieux Chateau Certan (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) reveals an inky/blue/purple color along with a rich, sumptuous perfume of black olives, lavender, roasted herbs, licorice, pain grille, and oodles of truffles as well as creme de cassis. In the mouth, hints of chocolate and charcoal also make an appearance along with good acidity, fabulous purity, and a full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel. In keeping with the style of this terroir, the wine is reserved and restrained, but deep. It should develop magnificently, and age for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.