Vieux Chateau Certan 2017
Vieux Chateau Certan 2017 ,is one of the oldest properties in Pomerol. The estate’s history dates back to the mid 1700’s when it was founded by Jean Demay de Certan.
The original chateau was constructed closer to 1770. The Demay’s were well known for their work in the Bordeaux wine trade. They were successful negociants and wine merchants. The wines of what we know today as Vieux Chateau Certan were originally sold under the name of Sertan.The vineyards of Vieux Chateau Certan were much larger in their formative years. The land was divided after the French Revolution and again through sales transactions giving birth to Certan de May and various other estates that continue using the name Certan in their title.
In its formative years, the wine of Vieux Chateau Certan was considered to be among the top, if not the best wine of Pomerol. The more things change, the more they stay the same as Vieux Chateau Certan is once again considered one of the best wines of Pomerol. The 14 hectare vineyard of Vieux Chateau Certan is planted to 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This shows a slight increase in the Cabernet Franc and decrease in the Merlot, planted here. On average, their average 50 years of age. However, there is one very old plot of Merlot that was planted all the way back in 1932, making it one of the oldest parcels in the Pomerol appellation. They also have a section of vines planted in 1948.
The Vieux Chateau Certan vineyard is one of the largest vineyards in the Right Bank that are planted in one single block of vines. Most of the vineyard surrounds the chateau, although, they also have vines placed close to Le Pin. Most of the the time, you find about 13.3 hectares in production. The vineyard is located in the center of Pomerol, on the plateau. When you arrive at the junction where the estate rests, you are truly at the cross streets that could easily be renamed “The center of the heart and soul of Pomerol”. Directly across the street is Chateau Certan de May and just down the road you’ll find Petrus. Chateau Lafleur is only a stones throw from there as well and Evangile is quite close too. Vieux Chateau Certan has a terroir of clay and gravel soil. But as you will see, things are more complex than that.
