Vieux Château Certan Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 1998
Available at 6 stores
Ratings on Delectable
Delectable Wine 
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The 1998 Vieux Château Certan saw both the Merlot and Cabernet reaching maturity early and, unusually, around the same time due to the Cabernet Franc suffering during the drought. Ergo, the blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest was September 21 to 26 and cropped at 34hl/ha. The bouquet is far superior to the 1996, as you would expect, quite vivacious and sensual black cherry and raspberry fruit, touches of wild mint, though it becomes pretty Bretty in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, fresh and lively, with fine grip with a crunchy blackberry, tar and allspice finish. This might actually constitute the best bottle of the 1998 that I have tasted. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
The 1998 Vieux Château Certan saw both the Merlot and Cabernet reaching maturity early and, unusually, around the same time due to the Cabernet Franc suffering during the drought. Ergo, the blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest was September 21 to 26 and cropped at 34hl/ha. The bouquet is far superior to the 1996, as you would expect, quite vivacious and sensual black cherry and raspberry fruit, touches of wild mint, though it becomes pretty Bretty in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, fresh and lively, with fine grip with a crunchy blackberry, tar and allspice finish. This might actually constitute the best bottle of the 1998 that I have tasted. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
9.3
Matt
Elegant, classic, mature. Earth driven, spine of acid driving the wine, resolved tannin/oak. No CF this vintage 90 ME 10 CS (have to double check that). Dried red fruit, currant and raspberry with dark cherry, turned earth, fall leaves, dried tobacco, dried rose, pipe smoke, animal, clove. Brett in in check, quite lovely actually
Elegant, classic, mature. Earth driven, spine of acid driving the wine, resolved tannin/oak. No CF this vintage 90 ME 10 CS (have to double check that). Dried red fruit, currant and raspberry with dark cherry, turned earth, fall leaves, dried tobacco, dried rose, pipe smoke, animal, clove. Brett in in check, quite lovely actually
9.6
Jay McInerney
Novelist, Wine Critic Town & Country, Expensive Wino & Gastronaut
1998 vintage. A great Vcc approaching its peak. Beautiful Merlot fruit with piquant Cab Franc herbs and spice.
1998 vintage. A great Vcc approaching its peak. Beautiful Merlot fruit with piquant Cab Franc herbs and spice.
9.3
Erin McGrath
Fine & Rare Specialist Heritage Auctions
Decanted for a bit but wish it had been for longer. Delicious and still young.
Decanted for a bit but wish it had been for longer. Delicious and still young.
9.1
