Wine Advisor
Vieux Chateau Certan 1987
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The intense herbaceousness exhibited by this wine from the cask has now calmed down. The result is a flattering, cedary, black currant-and-herb-scented wine, with good depth, some light tannins, and a plump, satisfying finish. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/91.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The intense herbaceousness exhibited by this wine from the cask has now calmed down. The result is a flattering, cedary, black currant-and-herb-scented wine, with good depth, some light tannins, and a plump, satisfying finish. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/91.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 1987 Vieux Château Certan was a vintage affected by poor flowering due to a storm on June 7 and downpours during the October harvest. It has a decent nose with sous-bois and cigar box aromas, but it is a little in the way of fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with simple black fruit. It is a little short on the finish, but really, this has nothing to be ashamed of, given the trials and tribulations of the growing season. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
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.
1958(1)1969(2)1970(1)1974(1)1977(1)1978(1)1981(2)1982(1)1986(1)
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