The 2018 Vieux Chateau Certan is a Bordeaux blend from the Pomerol region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Vieux Chateau Certan, is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It is bottled with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine a near-perfect score of 99, praising its "superb depth of fruit and structure" and describing the palate as "broad with super tannins." He highlighted its "down-to-earth style" and recommended long cellar aging, suggesting it be enjoyed after 2027 for the best experience (jamessuckling.com, 3/5/2021).
Wine Enthusiast gave this vintage a perfect score of 100, noting the firm tannins and the expressive, ripe character of the Cabernet Franc. The review emphasized the wine's structured, complex nature, and its impressive fruit weight which adds elegance. The publication predicted long aging potential for this "fabulous wine" (Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2019).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it at 99 points, noting its "profound powerhouse of a perfume" that includes preserved plums, blueberry compote, and ripe black cherries. The review praised the seamless flow of tannins and perfectly knit acidity, describing it as "an experience not to be missed" and suggesting it will age well over the next 30 years or more (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 3/31/2021).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a 99, stating that it joins the pantheon of incredible vintages for Vieux Chateau Certan. He highlighted its "incredible level of density" and "palate coating richness," predicting it will become a "future legend of Bordeaux" (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 3/9/2021).
Decanter awarded it a perfect score of 100, noting its complexity, precision, and concentration, as well as its "stunning potential." The review praised the balance and layers of the wine, emphasizing the excellent year for Cabernet Franc, which added freshness and focus (Decanter, 4/1/2019).
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine 99, describing it as a "rock star of a Pomerol" with a "kaleidoscopic array of red, black, and blue fruits." He emphasized the wine's perfectly integrated oak, concentration, and ultra-fine tannins, predicting it will evolve for 30-40 years (jebdunnuck.com, 3/11/2021).
Jane Anson gave it a score of 98, noting the sweeter edged Merlot fruits and the precise tannins. She highlighted the careful selection of fruit and the commitment at the estate, predicting a bright future for the wine (janeanson.com, 9/20/2021).
The Wine Independent also awarded it 99 points, praising its nuanced palate, lively backbone, and super-fine tannins (The Wine Independent, 2/9/2023).
In summary, the 2018 Vieux Chateau Certan is a highly acclaimed wine with a robust structure, complex character, and excellent aging potential. It has received numerous high scores from respected reviewers, making it a notable choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
