Delectable Wine
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The 2011 Vieux Château Certan, which the Thienponts compare to 1983 and 1988, has a much lighter, simpler bouquet compared to the previous vintage. Maybe a bit conservative with tobacco-tinged black fruit, though it opens nicely with shavings of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, firm tannins that frame the black fruit laced with cracked black pepper and graphite. Vibrant and vivacious, this is drinking well but has the substance to age in bottle. A dark horse! Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
The 2011 Vieux Château Certan, which the Thienponts compare to 1983 and 1988, has a much lighter, simpler bouquet compared to the previous vintage. Maybe a bit conservative with tobacco-tinged black fruit, though it opens nicely with shavings of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, firm tannins that frame the black fruit laced with cracked black pepper and graphite. Vibrant and vivacious, this is drinking well but has the substance to age in bottle. A dark horse! Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
9.3James Forsyth
Quite animalistic, white pepper, tar, tobacco. Delicious and approachable right now.
Quite animalistic, white pepper, tar, tobacco. Delicious and approachable right now.
9.2Tom Kobylarz
Great potential, easily should get better.
Great potential, easily should get better.
8.9Alan Snitow
From 1/2 bottle. Producer over vintage once again.
From 1/2 bottle. Producer over vintage once again.
9.2Nathan Renfro
This is a new one for me, trying to grow in my experience with French wine Dark ruby colored. Oak, tar, tobacco, plum, black and red fruit. The oak overpowers the fruit, but just barely. Overall well structured with very supple tannins and a bit of acidity to hold it in balance. Fruit is ripe yet modest. Enjoyable for sure now after a short decant.
This is a new one for me, trying to grow in my experience with French wine Dark ruby colored. Oak, tar, tobacco, plum, black and red fruit. The oak overpowers the fruit, but just barely. Overall well structured with very supple tannins and a bit of acidity to hold it in balance. Fruit is ripe yet modest. Enjoyable for sure now after a short decant.
9.3Location
WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.