VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2008

The texture is classic, with plum, fresh mushroom and berry aromas and flavors. Full and round, with lovely length. There is plenty of acidity, but it's balanced and pretty. Very long and fresh. 70 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet Franc, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Last time they used this amount of Cabernet was in 2000; that shows it was a late harvest.

The 2008 Vieux Château Certan was cropped at 34hl/ha and contains more Cabernets compared to other vintages. Their contribution is tangible on the nose: pencil shavings and tertiary scents are pretty potent and lend it a Left Bank allure. The palate is fresh and vibrant with grainy tannins, graphite-driven, fresh and tensile with a persistent finish. Certainly, one of the best Pomerols in this challenging growing season, VCC at its most Médoc. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. 2024-2046

The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wine's striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years. Drink: 2009 - 2044