1971 Vieux Chateau Certan

The 1971 Vieux Château Certan is a vintage that suffered hail damage on June 14, after one-third of the crop was lost to coulure. It was a small crop picked from early October, where alcohol levels were 11% to 12%. It has a similar hue to the 1970, the nose offering red berry fruit, slightly savory, a whiff of andouillette and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, lighter than the previous vintage, and lively with heart-warming piquancy on the finish. This is a delicious, open-hearted 1971 Pomerol. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.

The 1971 Vieux Château Certan is one of the go-to vintages from the seventies. Mature in appearance with a wide tawny rim, the nose retains attractive scents of dried blood mixed with oxtail, certainly fully mature and maybe reaching the end of its peak. It's a bit rustic and animally. The palate is fully mature with notes of orange rind and black pepper, the tannins slightly coarse, and yet it exhibits commendable weight and presence, despite a little volatility on the finish. 'Tis a charismatic VCC. Tasted three times.

The 1971 Vieux Château Certan is a wine that I have tasted on several occasions. It remains one of the go-to vintages from the seventies, although it is probably inching towards the end of its drinking plateau. It has a mature appearance with a wide tawny rim. The nose is still attractive with scents of dried blood, oxtail and just a touch of heather, certainly far into its secondary stage. There is rusticity here, "old school" Pomerol. The palate is fully mature with notes of orange rind and a pinch of black pepper. The tannins seem a little frayed at the edges, but there is still commendable weight and presence on the finish, which has a little volatility seeping through. It's a VCC full of charisma and charm, though I would be inclined to drink bottles sooner rather than later. Tasted June 2015.