2007 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Year On tasting, the 2007 Vieux Chateau Certan offers enticing aromas of black fruit, melted tar, mint, rooibos tea and undergrowth—complex and enticing, almost matching L'Eglise-Clinet in terms of sophistication. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit on the entry and white pepper and cloves on the mid-palate, while the Cabernet component lends structure and a sense of symmetry towards the finish, although it does fade in the glass, whereas the L'Eglise-Clinet "motor" on. This is just beginning to drink now but should last for another 8-10 years. Tasted February 2017.

– The Wine Advocate#231, June 2017

(a blend of 72% merlot and 28% cabernet franc) Bright, deep ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry and licorice. Sweet and supple but lively, with good pepper and violet lift to the black fruit and chocolatey oak flavors. A very fresh wine with lovely persistence but a slightly peppery aspect on the back. The palate-coating tannins reach the teeth. This should evolve slowly for a 2007 Pomerol.

Spicy notes of pepper, herbs, licorice, and black currants jump from the glass of this round, medium-bodied, easy to drink, cleanly made, soft wine. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Soft smudgy garnet and a lightly brick rim. Seriously leafy and Cabernet Franc-like on the nose. Cassis leaf dominates the nose. Rather slight on the palate but juicy. Dry, fresh but not a lot of depth. Yet it is harmonious and there’s nothing forced. (JH)

Dark crimson. Very light nose. Pretty tart on the palate. Where’s the beef? A bit dull really. Astringent too. Very fresh and fluid. Decent balance. (JR)