(98-100 points) Violets, iris, black cherries, blue fruits, chocolate, cocoa, licorice, mint leaves, and truffles create the wine's complex aromatics. However, it is on the palate that the wine truly steals the show. Full-bodied, deep, concentrated, opulent, and palate-staining, the wine coats your mouth, teeth, and gums with layers of plums and cherries drenched in dark chocolate. The finish is intense, long, full, rich, deep, and seamless, and you will notice it in your glass. Part of the wine's success in 2025 was blending fruit from young vines planted in 2015, which helped achieve the drinkability you already find in your glass. The wine blends 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV, 3.75 pH. The harvest took place September 8 - September 18. Yields were only 22 hectoliters. Drink from 2030-2065. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2025&wine=Vieux%20Chateau%20Certan

(97-99 points) (Pomerol; 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; a final yield of 22 hl/ha; pH 3.75; 14.01% ABV; tasted in the chai with Guillaume and Alexandre Thienpont). Immediately VCC. That gloss, that sheen, that aerial lift and immediate aromatic purity and clarity of fruit. This year the fruit profile is dark: blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, with loads of crunchy black cherries coming through with gentle aeration or just a little time in the glass. Divine on the attack, cooler in the mid-palate than the aromatics lead one to anticipate, with the fruit held quite tightly to a very well-defined central column. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings a little spice and a touch of black pepper. And the wine, already utterly gorgeous, is rendered even more sublime with the arrival of that trace of cedar. The power is measured. As the wine opens, it actually seems to become more ample in frame, with the crystallinity evident from the attack even more obvious and even more luminous. The wine is substantial, but the tannins are so soft and gentle that it's really deceptive. This is incredibly clear, pure and lifted again on the finish. One of the most aerial of vintages, despite the density and concentration. Exceptional. Starry. 97-99

Deep, dark ruby-garnet color, opaque core, violet highlights, delicate lightening at the rim. Delicate notes of black cherries, a hint of strawberry jam, ripe plums, a touch of candied orange zest, underpinned by delicate nougat. Complex, extract-driven sweetness, black berry jam, a hint of licorice, ripe, substantial tannins, a subtle chocolate note on the finish, very good length, assured aging potential.

(98-99 points) Subtle and pure, with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, pencil shavings and touches of raspberries, flowers, oyster shells and iodine. Medium-bodied with subtle and integrated tannins that run the length of the wine and make you want to drink it. The length and finesse are sublime. A mineral, stone and light cement texture. It grows beautiful in the great finish. 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.

An outstanding VCC this year and one of the picks of Pomerol. Deep aromatics of dark black fruit that stays cool with some liquorice and cola, plus a soft floral fragrance and chocolate creaminess. Inky and really vibrant colour in the glass. Smooth and supple, both creamy and chalky with black fruit and a heady savoury spiced aspect. I love the stickiness – there’s a chew but it remains cool and lifted, nothing heavy, more comforting like a big hug – velvety, charming and almost sensuous. Acidity doesn't stick out, the focus is on complexity and remarkable texture with ripe tannins. Density is there yet it doesn't feel heavy. Ends so cool with lots of cola, a touch of iron and stones, fresh mint and savoury herbaceousness. Absolutely beautiful, hedonistic and so long. 3.75pH. A yield of 22hl/ha. Ageing two thirds new oak, one third one-year-old barrels.

Fragrant, full of energy, dense with silky tannins, steals up on you as it opens, and this is a gorgeous wine that deserves attention. Chamomile, cumin, cassis, blackberry, cocoa bean, espresso, fresh thyme, tobacco, layered and luscious. This really stayed with me, and I absolutely recommend it, one of the wines of Pomerol in the vintage. Harvest September 8 to 18. Estate signature, 22hl/h yield, 3.75ph. The first year with Guillaume Thienpont fully in charge, although still working alongside his father Alexandre (who began with his own father in 1985).

(96-98 points) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan slowly unfurls to reveal a gorgeous perfume of violets, black cherries, sandalwood, and licorice, leading to a core of blueberry compote and plum preserves, with a waft of fragrant soil. The medium- to full-bodied palate is refreshing, plush, and vibrant with layers of black and blue fruit and floral notes, finishing on a lingering anise note.

(96-98 points) Beautiful dark cherry and currant fragrant but with a pure perfume. The palate is just delicious, with the classic VCC combination of fleshy dark fruits, honest and savoury, with a juicy and charming freshness, a fleshy substance, with a backbone of vibrant acidity and tobacco oak. This is quite joyous, dark and savoury, with a delicious sense of vivacity, and the tannins are beautifully dark and defined. It concludes with energy, fresh tannins and great length. A delicious VCC which will give a lot of pleasure; one for all fans to add to the cellar. The blend is 80% Merlot, picked from September 8th to the 13th, 15% Cabernet Franc picked on the 18th, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked on the 15th. The yields were a paltry 22 hl/ha. The alcohol is 14.01% on analysis. 96-98/100

(95-97+ points) Deep purple-hued, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that's being raised in 66% new French oak with the balance in once-used barrels. Harvested from yields of just 22 hectoliters per hectare, it hit 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.75. The aromatics are powerful and concentrated, with ripe black and blue fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and violets all defining the nose. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a balanced, layered mouthfeel, rock-solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's a serious Vieux Château Certan that's going to be great, but it's going to need time.

(94-97+ points) Fruity, deep and intense, cherry-infused up front fruit. Very precise and vibrant. Elegant and juicy, with nice intensity and salty freshness with notes of liquorice. It has an intense and impressive fruit structure and a round cashmere-like aftertaste. Very well made, fine and precise and a very successful 2025.

(95-97 points) The 2025 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 8 to 15 at 22 hl/ha and includes two conjoining parcels normally used for the La Gravette. It is raised in two-thirds new oak, the remainder one-year-old. The Merlot sculpts the bouquet with perfumed red cherries, raspberry, cassis and pressed violet scents that gain intensity in the glass. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, with powdery tannins on the entry. This must be one of the most peppery VCCs that I have tasted, poivre noir from the Cabernet Franc component. Quite structured, with chalky tannins on the finish, almost as if it came from more limestone soil. Not a crowd pleaser like the 2022, but an intellectual, vertical VCC that will flesh out in barrel. 14.01% alcohol. - By Neal Martin on May 2026

(94-96 points) Bursting with aromas of violets, crème de cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan is medium- to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with a sun-kissed core of fruit, ripe acids and a dense, unctuous palate, concluding with a heady finish. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is quite serious and structured, with sweet tannin, and it checks in at 14% alcohol.