2013 Vieux Château Certan

Description

94    Wine Enthusiast
“With a higher proportion of Merlot (92%) than usual, this is a round, ripe wine released at just 20% of normal production. The generous texture and tannins are well integrated into the rich fruit. It’s juicy, broad and showing the typical acidity of the vintage. With its tannic structure, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020.” (3/2016)

92-94    Neal Martin
“The Vieux Chateau Certan 2013 is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc picked from 30 September until 9th October at 22hl/ha. It has a lovely, pure bouquet with small red cherries, rose petals and mineral that has exquisite delineation, though it does not possess the profundity of a top tier VCC. The palate is precise on the entry, a little pinched perhaps but with aeration it unfurls nicely. There is great tension here: a streamlined VCC that has the precision of a Swiss watch and a sense of tension that Hitchcock would have been proud of. (April 2014)

90-93    Vinous
“The 2013 Vieux Chateau Certan is a wine of extraordinary finesse and elegance. Blue and purplish-toned fruits, violets, lavender, sweet spices and mint are woven together in a fabric of stunning beauty. The 2013 is translucent, weightless and simply impeccable throughout. Clearly, the structure is that of an average year, but the sheer beauty is that of a superb site. There is so much to like here.” (4/2014)

92    Wine Spectator
“Very enticing, featuring crushed boysenberry and raspberry fruit, accented by fruitcake, black tea and bramble notes. Shows excellent length and energy for the vintage, with enough stuffing for the cellar. This has developed grip since the barrel tasting. Best from 2018 through 2028.” (3/2016)