The 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is a distinguished Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pomerol sub-region. This wine, with a substantial 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits a rich and complex profile that has captivated wine critics.
James Suckling awards this vintage a high score of 97, praising its "silky and elegant" attack, emphasizing eucalyptus, licorice, and vibrant cassis notes. He describes the finish as "tight, almost austere," yet "tense and polished." Wine Enthusiast echoes this sentiment, also rating it 97, describing it as "rich, finely structured" and "highly perfumed," suggesting that it is a wine built for aging, with an expected peak starting in 2026.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offers a 96-point evaluation, highlighting it as a "sophisticated and cerebral Pomerol" with an "exquisite bouquet" of blackberry, wild strawberry, and rose petals. Neal Martin emphasizes its "linear and precise" nature, marking it as a classic Pomerol with "great frisson and energy."
Wine Spectator and The Wine Independent both commend the wine with scores of 96 and 97, respectively. Wine Spectator appreciates the "silky yet persistent tannins" and the wine's "coiled-up energy," making it ideal for cellaring. The Wine Independent notes its "deep garnet-brick" color and praises its "full-bodied palate" with "fine-grained tannins."
Jeb Dunnuck, with a score of 92, describes it as "forward, beautifully balanced," and Jane Anson rates it 95, calling it "subtle and beguiling" with truffles and white pepper notes.
Overall, the 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential, promising pleasure for those who choose to drink it now or hold it for future enjoyment.