Vieux Château Certan 2015 is a red Pomerol from Bordeaux’s Right Bank, made from 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes from one of Pomerol’s long-established estates—founded in the mid-1700s and owned by the Thienpont family since 1924—with a 14-hectare vineyard in a single block. The fruit was harvested between September 17 and October 2, 2015 at 42 hl/ha, and the wine was bottled May 2–5, 2017.

Critical reception is outstanding, highlighted by an excellent 100-point review from Wine Advocate. Neal Martin calls it “a beguiling Pomerol,” emphasizing its intensity and detail, with “black truffle” and “smoke” alongside vivid red and black fruit, and notes that the Cabernet Franc brings an “expressive” profile marked by a “licorice note.” That level of acclaim places it among the benchmark wines of the vintage.

Other top reviews support the picture of a powerful, polished 2015 with clear structure for aging. Wine Spectator (97 points) describes “warm plum reduction, boysenberry, blackberry [and] black currant” framed by “melted black licorice” and “smoldering tobacco,” and praises the wine’s “terrific latent energy through the finish.” Wine Spectator suggests a long drinking window, “best 2023–2040,” and reports production of 3,750 cases. Vinous also rates it 97 points.

Several critics underline the wine’s richness and concentration. James Suckling (98–99) highlights “super concentration and length” with a “super velvety” feel. Lisa Perrotti-Brown (98) notes darker-toned flavors—“blueberry compote,” “black forest cake,” and “licorice”—and a “long minerally finish,” with tannins that are “plush yet present.” Alcohol is reported at 15% by the château, while some critics cite 14.6%, a level that Tim Atkin (94) says “flirts with over-ripeness,” though he also credits “fine tannins” and Cabernet Franc “leafy freshness.”