Wine Advisor
Vieux Chateau Certan 1981
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Dark purple colour. A rich compact cedary nose gives way to a rich generous, earthy palate. The tannins softening up to present a supple well-structured, light wine. Possibly under-appreciated by some but it has everything I seek in a Right Bank wine. Tasted November 1999.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1981 is extremely good, richly fruity, with a black currant, cedary bouquet interlaced with subtle, herbaceous scents. Rather Medoc-like in its firm, well-structured feel, with medium body and tough tannins, this wine is well made and surprisingly generous for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 7/91.
About the Producer
Among all the Pomerol appellations, Vieux Chateau Certan is one of the oldest, and even Petrus is a latecomer to it. It was called "Sertan" by the Portuguese, meaning desert, poor land and unsuitable for growing crops, but the soil was very suitable for growing grapes. Over time, the name "Sertan" evolved into the homonym "Certan", which is part of the winery's name to this day. The vineyard of Château de la Vieux Sedan covers approximately 14 hectares and is divided into 23 plots. The upper layer of the vineyard is about 30 cm of clayey gravel, while the iron-bearing clay is in the lower layer of the soil. The grape varieties planted are predominantly Merlot (about 70%), with Cabernet Franc (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) making up the rest of the vineyard. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. The harvest is rigorous, with fermentation taking place in temperature-controlled oak barrels and aging in 2/3 new oak barrels, while some vintages, such as 1987, are 100% new oak and aged for 18-22 months. The wines of Old Sedan are made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a stylistic departure from the absolute dominance of Merlot in Pomerol. Old Sedan is the most similar to the Medoc style in Pomerol, with a color that is usually less intense, but with firm tannins and a robust body. After a few years of ageing, it is sweet, mineral and perfectly smooth, with a strong persistence in the mouth. The old Sedan has a unique and flawless structure, the new wine has a rather prominent charred leathery taste and the tannins take at least 5 years to soften. The mature wine has concentrated flavors and a perfect balance, not as "powerful" as Château Petrus, but a perfect combination of strength and softness, a unique Pomerol wine.
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