Bordeaux Vieux Château Certan 3 magnums 2019

Critics’ Scores

Extraordinary Critical Acclaim

The 2019 vintage has garnered exceptional praise from the world’s most influential wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded 98+ points, describing it as “an awesome expression of Merlot” and predicting it will “probably merit a triple-digit rating at maturity.” Similarly, Vinous granted 98+ points, while Wine Advocate’s William Kelley proclaimed it “one of the wines of the vintage” and “a remarkable achievement from Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont.” Additionally, Wine-Searcher’s aggregate critic score stands at 97/100, confirming the wine’s status among the vintage’s elite bottlings. Such unanimous acclaim underscores Vieux Château Certan’s position at the summit of Pomerol’s qualitative hierarchy.

The Estate

Vieux Château Certan — Pomerol’s Historic Jewel

Vieux Château Certan stands as one of Pomerol’s most venerable estates, with viticultural roots stretching back to the 16th century. Indeed, the Thienpont family acquired the property in 1924, and for nearly a century, they have stewarded this remarkable terroir with unwavering dedication. Moreover, under the current stewardship of Alexandre Thienpont and his son Guillaume, Vieux Château Certan 2019 represents the pinnacle of the estate’s modern winemaking era, combining time-honoured traditions with meticulous vineyard management.

While Pomerol has no formal classification system, Vieux Château Certan consistently ranks among the appellation’s finest properties, alongside legendary names such as Pétrus and Lafleur. Critics frequently praise the estate for its graceful, nuanced wines that balance power with elegance. This offering of three magnums presents a compelling opportunity for collectors seeking to cellar one of the Right Bank’s most distinguished 2019 releases in large-format bottles.

This Lot

Available as 3 magnums — ideal for collectors and long-term cellaring.

Terroir & Grapes

The Heart of Pomerol’s Plateau

The 14-hectare vineyard occupies a privileged position on Pomerol’s central plateau, where deep clay soils intermingle with iron-rich gravel deposits. This unique geological composition provides exceptional water retention during dry periods while simultaneously ensuring excellent drainage. Consequently, the Merlot vines achieve optimal ripeness and concentration, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute structure and aromatic complexity. The 2019 blend comprises 78% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the estate’s distinctive terroir expression.

Vinification & Ageing

Precision & Restraint

The Thienpont family employs a meticulous, parcel-by-parcel approach to winemaking, with each vineyard block vinified separately to preserve its unique character. Following hand-harvesting at optimal maturity, the fruit undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel vats. Moreover, the team favours gentle extraction techniques that respect the delicate tannin structure inherent to their terroir. The wine then matures in French oak barriques, with a judicious proportion of new wood that enhances complexity without overwhelming the pure fruit expression.

Vintage Character

Pomerol’s Vintage of the Decade

The 2019 vintage proved exceptional for Pomerol, with many critics hailing it as “the appellation of the vintage” on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. A warm, arid summer concentrated flavours and intensified the Merlot’s natural generosity, while cool night-time temperatures preserved crucial acidity and aromatic freshness. Furthermore, the plateau’s clay soils provided essential hydric regulation during dry periods, preventing stress while maintaining phenolic ripeness. The result is wines of remarkable concentration, balance, and ageing potential—rivalling the celebrated 2016 vintage in quality. Indeed, top Pomerol estates crafted profoundly structured yet harmonious wines that showcase the appellation’s unique terroir with exceptional clarity.

Tasting Notes

Prodigious Depth & Refinement

Vieux Château Certan 2019 opens with a compelling bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, black cherries, and crushed violets, interwoven with cedar, tobacco leaf, and delicate spring flowers. On the palate, the wine reveals extraordinary depth and layered complexity, yet maintains remarkable elegance and precision. Moreover, the tannins are exceptionally fine-grained and ripe, providing structure without any sense of hardness or austerity. Meanwhile, the acidity integrates seamlessly, lifting the concentrated dark fruit and ensuring outstanding balance. The finish extends effortlessly, echoing notes of graphite, black tea, and subtle spice that linger with haunting persistence.

Service & Pairing

Patience Rewarded

While this magnificent wine will reward patient cellaring for decades, adventurous collectors may explore its youthful complexity with generous aeration. Decant for at least two to three hours to allow the tightly-wound aromatics to blossom fully. Furthermore, the wine’s refined structure and layered complexity pair beautifully with roasted game birds, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or truffle-enriched beef dishes. Additionally, aged Comté or Époisses cheese provides a harmonious counterpoint to the wine’s savoury depth. The magnum format ensures slower, more graceful evolution in bottle, making these three magnums ideal centrepieces for future celebrations or vertical tastings.

— Discover —

You Might Also Like

La Mission Haut Brion 1996 BordeauxCHF 299Bordeaux Château la Gaffelière 2019CHF 79Chateau Trotanoy 2015 PomerolCHF 379

Ready to Order

A masterpiece deserves a place in your cellar.

🛒 Add to Cart

Secure checkout · Worldwide delivery · 50+ direct suppliers

🌍 Worldwide delivery · Fast & secure shipping

Switzerland · EU · USA · International · winesandspirits.ch