The 2015 Vieux Château Certan is a benchmark Pomerol from the Thienpont family’s historic estate on the plateau. The blend is unusually Cabernet Franc-forward for the property—**80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon**—and the wine carries the warm-year authority of the vintage without losing its estate signature of detail and lift. Several reviewers also note it as a standout of 2015 in Bordeaux’s Right Bank.
Aromatically, critics converge on ripe dark fruit layered with savory, earthy complexity. **Wine Spectator (97)** leads with “*warm plum reduction and boysenberry puree*” alongside “*melted black licorice and smoldering tobacco*,” finishing with a “*lovely tug of dark earth*.” **Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 98+)** finds a deeper register—“*blueberry compote… black forest cake, licorice, violets and garrigue*”—and calls it “*so very Pomerol*,” emphasizing its earthy/savory layering and “*very long minerally finish*.”
On the palate, the common theme is richness guided by freshness and structure. **Wine Enthusiast (Roger Voss, 97–99 barrel; 99)** highlights “*power along with an elegant acidity*,” with “*wonderful juiciness*” and a “*silky texture*.” **Jane Anson (97)** sums up the style as “*understated brilliance*,” praising its “*expert construction*” and noting **50% new oak** for ageing.
A number of reviews rise to the very top tier. **Jeb Dunnuck awards 100**, calling it “*heavenly*,” with “*full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and a finish that won’t quit*.” **Jeff Leve also gives 100**, pointing to “*velvet textures and 60 second finish*” and calling it “*a candidate for wine of the vintage*.”
Most notes suggest long aging potential—**Wine Spectator recommends 2023–2040**—though **Vinous (Neal Martin, 95)** flags that it “*can be highly variable from bottle to bottle*,” even while praising its complexity and vibrant, terroir-driven finish. Production was reported at **3,750 cases** (Wine Spectator).
