Vieux Chateau Certan 2003

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Only 850 cases were made in 2003, the lowest production ever at this estate. The blend was 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot (the Merlot was baked in the heat of June, July and August). This wine has a 92- to 93-point bouquet, but only an 87-point palate. The complexity of the Cabernet Franc component provides a gorgeous nose of new saddle leather, forest floor, sous-bois, blueberries and black currants. Lush, attractive and beautifully fruity on the attack, it fades in the mouth, and lacks the depth and texture to back up the exquisite aromatics and entry. This fully mature 2003 is a success in this appellation that experienced many difficulties. Drink it over the next few years.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A sweet toasty nose with cherry, raspberry and a faint sent of roses. The palate is rich, decadent with black cherries, raisins and underneath all that a discernible minerality. There is a slight bitterness to the tannins but the chocolate tinged finish is quite charming. Drinking 2009-2015. Tasted January 2007.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The owners of Vieux Chateau Certan, the Thienpont family, made it clear that the 2003 was saved by the high quality of their Cabernet Franc. The other estate owned by the Thienponts, the garage operation, Le Pin, was completely declassified in 2003. The production for Vieux Chateau Certan was only 50% of normal, with only 1,000 cases made of this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. It possesses a deep ruby color with purple nuances along with sweet aromas of underbrush, black cherries, incense, and spice. Round, with good definition, more weight than many Pomerols, and considerable potential for complexity, it should hit its prime in 3-4 years, and drink well for 12-15.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

An outstanding effort in this challenging vintage for Pomerol, this elegant blend (only 800 cases, or one-third the usual production) of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot boasts a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a sumptuous perfume of burning embers, incense, cedar, roasted herbs, and sweet black cherries and currants. Neither big nor weighty, it is an elegant, medium-bodied, finesse-styled, velvety-textured 2003 to drink over the next 10-14 years.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Proprietor Alexandre Thienpont had already bottled his 2003 when I stopped by the chateau in early April. An unusual blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, production is only one-third of normal for this satisfying 2003. Evolved both aromatically and flavor-wise, it is a seductive, complex Pomerol revealing notes of cedar, spice box, plums, and Allspice. There is good ripeness, sweetness, medium body, and loads of finesse as well as elegance. While not big, concentrated, or terribly ageworthy, it is an impeccably made effort that will provide surprisingly fine drinking over the next 10-12 years.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. This wine has improved since I last tasted it, although I still do not hold it up as a top-tier wine from the estate. The VCC 2003 has an attractive, light, earthy bouquet with light dark cherry and raspberry scents intermingling with dried herbs and sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with a better line of acidity than either La Conseillante or L’Evangile. This lends it an attractive freshness and vitality with subtle orange peel and marmalade notes informing the composed, harmonious finish. Tasted March 2013.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2003 Vieux Château Certan, which was picked 1 to 12 September, is a success in context of a very challenging growing season, saved by its Cabernets. It has a rich nose with black cherries, allspice and light sandalwood aromas, clearly dictated but not dominated by the heat of that summer. The palate is medium-bodied and redeemed by its fine line of acidity, blessed with attractive desiccated orange rind notes towards the harmonious finish. Fine. Tasted blind over dinner in Hong Kong.