Wine Advisor
Vieux Chateau Certan 1993
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A deep garnet hue with youthful pink rim. The palate is thin, a bit metallic and leafy. Lacks roundness and depth. Similarly the palate displays moderate concentration, very linear, a soft texture upon which the acidity pokes out. Under-ripe on the finish. This is a very ho-hum VCC. Drink up. Tasted June 2004.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1993 Vieux-Chateau-Certan reveals an impressive dark ruby color, an herb, licorice, blackcurrant, and earthy-scented nose, sweet, forward, well-concentrated flavors, medium body, light tannin, and an expansive, succulent, fleshy finish. More tannin and structure will undoubtedly emerge, but this is a good to excellent effort for the vintage. It should drink well for 12-15 years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Disappointing following bottling, this green-flavored, herbaceous, medium-bodied wine exhibits spice and red fruit notes, but it tastes underripe and meagerly-endowed. Anticipated maturity: now-2006.
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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