Vieux Chateau Certan 2016

Alexandre Thienpont has been making sensational VCCs for several years from the venerable old vines of this exceptionally well situated vineyard. The youngest Merlots were planted in 1959 and the youngest Cabernet Francs in 1948. This is one of the great properties of Pomerol and it normally has a high (for the appellation) percentage of Cabernet in the blend. 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard. Harvested over three stages from the beginning to the middle of October. The 2016 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and Alexandre Thienpont thinks the 2016 is akin to 2010 in the sme way as 2015 is like 2009, but he believes the 2016 is better than any of those that preceded it. Perfumed on the nose with rose and violet layered by herbal thyme, cherry, plum and casssis notes. Firm with a graphite edge on the palate, the purity of cool, but rpe bramble fruit is framed by ripe, chalky-textured tannins that freshen the finish. Spicy toast and pepper notes linger in harmony with the fruit on a long finish. (Farr Vintners)