2018 Vieux Chateau Certan

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. More aromatically open and more herbaceous than the 2015. Juicy plum, raspberry, leather saddle, cedar chest, cocoa and balsamic along with herbal notes of marjoram and mint. This is also a bit plusher than the 2015; the tannins are grainy but don't dominate the palate. Very complex and long and quite elegant. (JRL)

70 % Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. ‘ The first half of 2018 was marked by mild temperatures and heavy rainfall. At the end of May, after optimal flowering, a hot and dry summer set in for a long period. Water reserves, built up over the spring, enabled the vines to cope with the severe drought during the summer. The old vines, their vigour slowed by this drought, produced deep-coloured, concentrated wines.’ Slightly weaker deep crimson than the 2017. Less dramatic and attention-grabbing than the 2017. Lightly gamey nose and extremely rich fruit without quite the freshness. Rather blurred though leathery and not quite the precision of 2017. Slightly drying finish though it will surely have a great future. (JR)

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan, which contains 30% Cabernet Franc, has a commendable bouquet given the heat of that season. Blackberry, a touch of damson, scorched earth and light violet scents emerge with aeration. That said, it doesn't fully have the delineation of the previous vintage. The palate is powerful and typically burly for VCC, yet it has a lovely powdery texture (less silky than before) with a vibrant, peppery and persistent finish. Maybe not as opulent as it once was, but it is unquestionably one of the superior Pomerols. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium.