1990 Vieux Château Certan

The 2015 growing season at Vieux Château Certan was near-perfect, with ideal weather conditions throughout. A warm, dry summer followed by perfect harvest conditions allowed for optimal ripening of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate's varied terroir, including clay and gravel soils, contributed to the wine's remarkable complexity and balance, resulting in a vintage of legendary status for VCC.

At Vieux Château Certan, the 2005 growing season provided near-perfect conditions, with ideal weather from flowering through harvest. The estate's old-vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc reached unprecedented levels of ripeness while maintaining fresh acidity, while the clay-rich soils helped moderate water stress during the warm summer. Alexandre Thienpont's precise picking decisions captured the fruit at its absolute peak of maturity.

At Vieux Château Certan, the 2008 season required patience and precision, with a cool summer followed by a saving grace of perfect autumn weather. Alexandre Thienpont's decision to wait for optimal ripeness proved crucial, while the estate's exceptional terroir and old vines helped maintain balance through the late harvest period. The long, dry September and October allowed for unhurried picking decisions, resulting in wines of classical proportions.

Intense summer warmth concentrated fruit on the estate's clay-rich plateau, while deep soils sustained vines through drought conditions. The Cabernet Franc parcels delivered crucial freshness despite the heat, particularly in the iron-rich sections. The wine reveals black fruits, violets, and truffle notes with the ethereal complexity distinctive to this Pomerol legend.

The estate's clay-rich plateau soils regulated water stress during the warm summer, particularly benefiting old vine Merlot on the property's prime parcels. Cool nights in October allowed ideal hang time and precise plot selection across VCC's historic terroir. The wine captures both power and elegance, showing intense black fruits and truffle notes backed by the château's characteristic iron-mineral complexity.