Professional reviews
Robert Parker (97)
The 2023 Vieux Château Certan has turned out beautifully, bursting with aromas of blackberries and mulberries mingled with notions of iris, licorice and burning embers. Medium- to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an elegantly unctuous attack that segues into a rich and succulent mid-palate, it's a suave, seamless classic that will enjoy a wide drinking window. The 2023 is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14% alcohol.
James Suckling (100)
Perfect aromas of ripe, pristine blueberries, subtle black olives, raspberries, violets, minerals, lavender and sandalwood. The finesse, depth and grace are mesmerizing. It's medium-bodied with incredible energy and length. A masterpiece in subtly. Can't get better than this. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc. Lovely to drink now, but it will age beautifully. Wait until 2030.
Vinous (98)
The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is wonderfully complex and dynamic in the glass. The layers here are just remarkable. That sort of dimension is one of the qualities that was hard to come by in 2023. Dark blue-toned fruit, lavender, scorched earth, new leather and menthol soar, lending tons of vertical, explosive energy. Floral and savory overtones develop with air, adding further shades of nuance. What a gorgeous and complete wine this is.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Based on 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc and aged 18 months in 66% new French oak, the 2023 Vieux Château Certan sports brilliant red, blue, and black fruits as well as smoky tobacco, liquid violets, graphite, and hints of chocolate. Including no Cabernet Sauvignon due to the heatwave, this plump, full-bodied, ripe, sexy Vieux Château Certan is already impossible to resist yet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly for three decades. There are roughly 3,333 cases produced. Drink 2029-2059.
