2019 Chateau La Gravette de Certan (750ml)

Merlot from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Describing Vieux Chateau Certan’s second wine La Gravette, Jeb Dunnuck declares, “If there's a better second wine out there, I don't know of it” and Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value are “certain” to agree. Crafted by the 100 pt. winemaking team at Vieux Chateau Certan from two outstanding vintages, the alluring 94 pt. 2019 and 96 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gravette de Certan are stunning Right Bank blends rivalling many of the region’s Grand Vins at a fraction of the price, ready to cellar for another decade or more.

One of the oldest estates in the region dating to the mid-1700’s, Vieux Chateau Certan has risen to the top of Pomerol under the Thienpont family’s ownership over the last century, its modern era of excellence driven by third generation winemaker Alexandre Thienpont since 1986 and now aided by his son Guillaume. Located on the top of the Pomerol plateau not far from Le Pin and Petrus, the sustainably farmed 14-hectare Vieux Chateau Certan vineyard consists of 2 main blocks, divided into 23 separate parcels planted mostly to Merlot with the highest rising to around 37 meters above sea level next to the vines of Petrus and boasting a higher percentage of blue clay. First created in 1986, La Gravette is around 30% of the estate’s production, sourced mostly from the youngest vines that are meticulously managed to reduce yields and enhance concentration. Described as “a total knockout” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegant 94 pt. 2019 Chateau La Gravette de Certan “dazzles right out of the gate” with lush, fragrant concentrated fruit and energetic acidity from 100% Merlot, recommended by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson as “a beautiful La Gravette” set to age over the next decade. Called “ripe, seamless and straight-up sexy” by Jeb Dunnuck, the refined 96 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gravette de Certan reveals deep dark fruit hinting of graphite with a bright, beautiful finish, the addition of 15% Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend giving it “a distinctly Left-Bank leaning profile” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous who declares it “an insanely great Gravette” and causing James Suckling to exclaim, “Wow, what a second wine.”

While many of Bordeaux's second labels are considered a good value, these Chateau La Gravette de Certan selections are truly head and shoulders above the rest, overdelivering the exceptional quality of one of Pomerol’s most elite estates at an unbeatable price and “certain” to deliver enjoyment for years to come.

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This is such a beautiful La Gravette, really one to look out for and recommend. There is lush ripe berry fruit here but also a ton of finesse, and so much Pomerol signature. It will age for a good decade or more, but the plump fruit is already enticing. Unusually this is entirely Merlot, because all the Cabernet Franc is in the main estate wine (and young vines in the world of Vieux Château Certan - that means right up to 25 years old). 50% new oak, 40hl/h. Harvest for La Gravette September 18 to 20.

94 points, Jane Anson (Jan 2022)

The 2019 La Gravette De Certan is a solid second wine offering plenty of up-front richness and suppleness as well as classic Pomerol darker cherry and currant fruits, notes of damp earth, tobacco, and hints of flowers, beautiful balance, and enough ripe tannins to keep it drinking well for over a decade. I’d be thrilled with a bottle on the table.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)

The 2019 La Gravette de Certan, 100% Merlot in this vintage, is a total knock-out. Pliant and racy in the glass, with terrific fruit density, the 2019 dazzles right out of the gate with its alluring personality. Bright acids and supple tannins add to its immeasurable appeal. The Gravette, VCC's young-vine, second wine, is a total star.

93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

The 2019 La Gravette de Certan is 100% Merlot, made from the estate's younger vines and aged in 50% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly emerges from the glass with a lovely perfume of lilacs and black cherries over a core of ripe blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries, and plum preserves with a touch of anise. Full, rich, and oh-so expressive in the mouth, the gregarious fruit has super ripe, plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick.

93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (May 2022)

The 2019 La Gravette de Certan is a fleshy, charming wine, bursting with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, ample and giving, it's sensual and succulent, with an enveloping core of fruit, supple tannins and lively acids. It's entirely composed of Merlot this year and largely derived from vines planted in 2010, supplemented by a plot planted in 1998.

92 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$69.88

Compare At: $74.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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