I was able to taste both the 2015 and 2016 grand vins, and these are heavenly, magical wines that could not be any better. Starting with the 2015 Vieux Château Certan, it shows the opulent, flamboyant style of the vintage to a T and reveals a saturated purple/ruby color, a monster bouquet of blackberries, tobacco, kirsch, dried spices, and loamy earth, full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. A thrill a minute, wine doesn’t get any better, and I only wish every reader could taste this beauty. Drink it any time over the coming 30 years or more.
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)
The 2015 Vieux Château Certan is every bit as magnificent from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich, sumptuous and explosive in the glass, the 2015 is pure class. The flavors are deep and boldly sketched in this sumptuous, spectacularly ripe Pomerol. Inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, licorice and menthol all develop in the glass, but it is the wine's textural richness and intensity that stand out most. As good as the 2015 is today, it is going to need at least 15-20 years to be at its very best. Is there anything more I can ask of the 2015? No, there is not. This is a tremendous showing.
100 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2018)
The blackberries, blueberries, oyster shell and violets are so mesmerizing. Full-bodied, focused and deep. It takes you to another space and plane. Dried flowers and dark fruit. The tannins are perfectly crafted. Keeps going as you taste it. Drink in 2023 but why wait?
100 points, James Suckling (Feb 2018)
The 2015 VCC is a blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and it has a deep garnet color. It prances out with scents of flamboyant black cherry pie, plum preserves and blueberry compote, giving way to suggestions of truffles, smoked meats, Indian spices, and fragrant soil, with a touch of sandalwood and rose oil. Full-bodied, the palate is bursting with expressive, exotic spices and floral notes, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful tension, finishing very long and fragrant. The pH is about 3.7 - very impressive for such a warm year.
99 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Nov 2022)
Blended of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Vieux Chateau Certan opens with profound notes of blueberry compote, dried mulberries, black forest cake, licorice, violets and garrigue with wafts of black truffles, sandalwood and rose hips. Medium to full-bodied, very earthy/savory and beautifully layered with very plush yet present tannins, it offers lovely freshness and a very long minerally finish. So very Pomerol!
98+ points, Wine Advocate (Apr 2018)
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