2023 Vieux Chateau Certan
“When I think of the archetypes of greatness in Bordeaux, VCC is one of them”
– Antonio Galloni
A wine of effortless grace, class and sophistication, Pomerol’s Vieux Chateau Certan is one of the world’s great reds. It’s always ain huge demand and, with scores of up to a potential high of 99+ points, the 2023 vintage will be no exception.
The care and attention to detail paid by the Thienponts of VCC in both vineyard and winery are second to none, and the result has been a series of wines of astonishing brilliance in recent years. For anyone looking to see why this Pomerol is so revered, the 2023 is a must.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown leads the scoring with an eye-catching 97-99+ points for a wine she describes as “taut and muscular with firm, rounded tannins and seamless acidity”. Jeff Leve gives it 97-99 pints and calls it “rich, full, and deep, with uplifting acidities providing energy to the long, sensuous finish”. Antonio Galloni is also a fan, giving 96-98 to a wine he describes as one of “the archetypes of greatness in Bordeaux”.
THE OFFER
Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in 2026.
2023 Chateau Vieux Château Certan
£1,110 per case (6*75cl OWC) in bond
£1,115 per case mags (3*150cl OWC) in bond
SGD $1,980 ($2,158.20 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)
SGD $1,990 ($2,169.10 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)
97-99+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Chateau Certan 2023 has a pH of 3.74 and it is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of fresh blackberries, juicy plums, and black cherries slowly emerge from the glass, opening out to fragrant notes of violets, star anise, and black truffles, followed by wafts of wood smoke and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is taut and muscular with firm, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing with many, many layers of earth, spice, and floral notes. This is pure latent power. (2024) www.thewineindepent.com Drink 2030-2060
97-99 points Jeff Leve
Black cherries, flowers, chocolate, truffles, blackberries and a touch of cinnamon produce the aromatic profile. Elegance and power do not always go together. But with 2023 VCC, this is exactly what you find. There is intensity, richness, velvety-tannins, chalky accents, and layers of chocolate-infused, dark pit fruits, with wet earth, and spice. The wine is rich, full, and deep, with uplifting acidities providing energy to the long, sensuous finish. The temperate conditions of the growing season, without extreme variances is what allowed the vintage to develop its characteristics. In the cellars, the extractions were slow, soft, and easy. Pump overs were reduced by 30% this year as well. The wine blends 82% Merlot, and 18% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV, 3.74 pH. The harvest took place September 18 – September 29. Drink from 2029-2060 www.thewinecellarinsider.com
96-98 points Antonio Galloni
The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is like a drug. Its exotic aromatics, deeply layered fruit and sublime textures are just captivating. I tasted the 2023 from an assembled base blend and four core components. Every wine was nothing short of breathtaking. When I think of the archetypes of greatness in Bordeaux, VCC is one of them. The 2023 is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Like all producers, Alexandre and Guillaume were forced to decide whether to pick their Cabernets before or after the September rains. As it turned out, none of the lots picked before the rain made it into the Grand Vin. Only those picked later were deemed of high enough quality. (2024) www.vinous.com
Terms & Conditions of 2023 En Primeur Purchase in Singapore
* All items offered under bond, ex-Singapore (inclusive of freight from Bordeaux)
* Government duties are not inclusive & will apply at the time of physical availability.
* 2% discount will be given for Cheque/TT/PayNow payments.
* Purchases are to be transacted in case multiples as offered, change of bottle formats subject to extra charges.
* Payment is immediate upon confirmation of order/s. Order/s confirmed are non-refundable &/or exchangeable.
* 2% administrative charge [subject to prevailing GST] will be levied for amendment(s) [Duty paid to Bond or vice versa] on confirmed orders. Alterations are not allowed for confirmed order(s) after two years from the date of invoice.
* ETA 2026
* All wines offered subject to remaining unsold
