2019 Vieux Chateau Certan (1.5L)

Merlot from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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2019 Bordeaux seems like the vintage that almost wasn't. With years typically remembered for the harvest weather and the quality of the wines, 2019 was defined by the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in early Spring 2020 and the ensuing market volatility. Benefiting from our long-standing relationships in the region coupled with the favorable exchange rate, here is a unique opportunity to acquire an astounding range of the top Bordeaux blends of the 2019 vintage at exceptional pricing, delivered ex-Chateaux, many in ageworthy magnums and most in original wooden cases. All scoring 97 points and above from critics across the board, this is a special offering that will be hard to resist. Let's dig in.

With hot weather favoring the full development and ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson calls the 98pt Left Bank beauty 2019 Montrose "a masterclass in the flavors and aromatics that you expect in a great Medoc wine" concluding, "Oh, this is good." Impeccably crafted vintage over vintage, the long-lived 99pt 2019 Pontet Canet will be "best after 2028," according to critic James Suckling, "but an absolute joy to taste now." Describing it as "the wine of the vintage in St. Julien if not all of the Medoc," Jeb Dunnuck calls the 100pt 2019 Ducru Beaucaillou "a heavenly beauty" that's "as good as it gets" with Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast calling the 98pt 2019 Figeac "another magnificent vintage" from this estate and Bordeaux expert Jane Anson describing the 99pt 2019 Cos D'Estournel as "powerful and enjoyable... with the always present Cos glamour." Aging potential abounds in this selection of 2019s and the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss notes that the 98pt 2019 Pichon Baron is "intense and set for a long-term future," while the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth declares it "A serious wine with a hint of bling."

Both earning 99 points, the 2019 Haut Bailly "builds and builds... through the endless finish" according to James Suckling while Decanter's Georgia Hindle describes the 2019 Troplong Mondot simply as "Incredible." Rating the 2019 Canon Saint Emilion a perfect 100pts, Jane Anson declared "Just so much complexity, depth, power, interest in the whole thing. This buzzes with life," while the Wine Advocate's William Kelley calls the 100pt 2019 Lafite Rothschild "one of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year." Jeb Dunnuck calls the 98pt 2019 Leoville Barton "a great, great wine in the making" for Leoville fans not to miss and Vinous critic Neal Martin declares the 99pt 2019 Palmer "Quintessential." The 100pt Vieux Chateau Certan is one of the wines of the vintage for the Wine Advocate's William Kelley, with Margaux's 97pt 2019 Giscours structured to "age beautifully for years to come" according to James Suckling, also a superb value.

Now for the big finish! The 100pt 2019 La Mission Haut Brion "is one of the few 2019s that will make your eyes roll back in your head" according to Jeb Dunnuck (we think that's good) while William Kelley of the Wine Advocate declares it "possesses even greater potential" than its sibling Haut-Brion. Jane Anson calls the 98pt 2019 Mouton Rothschild "pure Mouton" adding, "you can’t miss it" (Mouton fans know exactly what she means) while the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth notes its "extremely lengthy finish." And finally garnering the top ratings from all critics, the 100pt 2019 Chateau Margaux is a "brilliant Bordeaux" according to the Wine Advocate that James Suckling sums up simply as "Ethereal." There are only exceptional choices here - whether putting together a mixed case or two or choosing favorites to stash away, you won't be disappointed. Echoing the advice given for plunging into the deep end of the pool for the first time, it's simple – take a deep breath and dive in. It's safe to say there's some seriously enjoyable Bordeaux in your future.

100WA

99JS #65 Top 100

99WI

98JD

98V

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2019 Vieux Château Certan unfurls in the glass with a striking bouquet of cassis and cherries mingled with notions of violets, loamy soil, sweet spices and incense. Full-bodied, ample and layered, it's seamless and enveloping, with a fleshy core of beautifully vibrant fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, this perfumed, sensual Vieux Château Certan is a remarkable achievement from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont.

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

Subtle and complex with blackberries, violets, lilacs, roses and hints of ink. So floral, yet subtle on the nose. Full-bodied with incredible polish and beauty, the silky tannins running the length of the wine and going on and on. It builds with sheer elegance and structure. A blend of 78% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 7% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2028, but already a joy to taste.

99 points, James Suckling (Mar 2022)

#65 - James Suckling Top 100 of 2022

The 2019 Vieux Chateau Certain is a blend of 78% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the glass with vibrant black and blue fruits - blackberry preserves, ripe plums, and juicy blueberries - with touches of kirsch, Sichuan pepper, violets, licorice, and cumin seed. Full bodied, rich, and decadent in the mouth, the palate has a fantastic line of freshness and mind-blowingly ripe, complex tannins (thanks to the 3 varieties this year) supporting the very tightly wound layers, finishing with incredible length and lots of floral and mineral fireworks.

99 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Apr 2022)

A wine I wasn't able to taste from barrel, the 2019 Vieux Château Certan is an awesome expression of Merlot that's as singular as they come. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as a prodigious, deep, layered bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar pencil, and sappy spring flowers, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, multi-dimensional texture, a great mid-palate, no hard edges, perfectly integrated acidity, and a blockbuster of a finish. It shows the more ethereal, nuanced, elegant style of the vintage, both in its aromatics as well as on the palate, but it has classic Vieux Château Certan opulence and power. This heavenly wine is clearly in the same ballpark as the 2015, 2016, and 2018 and will probably merit a triple-digit rating at maturity. A decade of cellaring is advised, and it should be a 40-, 50-, if not 60-year wine.

98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)

The 2019 Vieux Château Certan is even better from bottle than it was from barrel. It is very clearly one of the highlights on the Right Bank. Soaring aromatics are immediately captivating. There is an exoticism in the 2019 that I saw from barrel that is evident in the bottled wine, but today, I see more balance and harmony. Crème de cassis, licorice, lavender, spice and rose petal blend into a core of red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are so well balanced. The Grand Vin is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but the blend also includes one lot of young vine Cabernet Sauvignon that was added for its aromatic presence. That decision paid off in spades, as the 2019 is truly magical.

98+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$799.88

7 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 3

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