Vieux Chateau Certan 2001 Magnum in 6er Holzkiste

Lobenberg: Dunkles Rubinrot, fast schwarz, satte fruchtbetonte Nase, schwarze und rote Früchte, im Mund dicht, satt, ganz auf der fruchtigen Seite, sehr konzentriert, aber keinesfalls extrahiert, sondern perfekte Balance und große Harmonie. Ein tiefer Wein mit einem samtig-seidigen Abgang. Großer Erfolg für Vieux Chateau Certan und seinen Besitzer, Alexandre Thienpont (der auch den Le Pin vinifiziert). Einer der drei besten Pomerols des Jahres.

Suckling: Stunning bramble-fruit definition, with leathery and meaty complexity, as well as notes of clove and some earthy minerality, restrained dark chocolate and dried eucalyptus leaf. Full body with dense, velvety tannins and crisp acidity. Impressive power with grace here, and an amazing finish. Drinkable now, but will last for decades. 98/100 (2024)

Parker: A brilliant effort from Alexandre Thienpont, this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc is a deep purple-colored, fleshy, layered effort offering a sweet nose of creosote, incense, Christmas spices, plenty of red and black fruits, and hints of licorice as well as new oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with tremendous purity in addition to nobility, give it two more years of cellaring and drink it over the next following 15-18 years. 93/100 (2004)

Jane Anson: I’ve found a number of 2000s finally overtaking the 2001s this year, after a long time when the 2001 vintage was clearly showing better. But there are still moments when 2001 reigns, and this Vieux Château Certan is a case in point. Slowly unrolls, gathering in power as it goes, blackberry, damson and raspberry fruits, together with truffle, toasted almonds, tobacco leaf, ash. A great moment to open and enjoy this wine, made for sharing. 100/100

Jancis Robinson: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. ‘Winter was very mild and rainy, resulting in early budbreak (again). Warm weather at the beginning of May led to even flowering during the last week of the month with impressive vigour of the vines at that stage. Then hot, dry weather from the second half of July tempered vine vigour and triggered a slow, well-balanced ripening of the grapes. September was bright and sunny. Harvest began on 20 September.’ More intense, slightly more youthful colour than the 2000. Intense, savoury nose. Rich fruit with some notes of dried fruit. Still lots to come here – real structure! Dry finish after an extremely complex palate. 18/20 (2024)