Perfect aromas of ripe, pristine blueberries, subtle black olives, raspberries, violets, minerals, lavender and sandalwood. The finesse, depth and grace are mesmerizing. It's medium-bodied with incredible energy and length. A masterpiece in subtly. Can't get better than this. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc. Lovely to drink now, but it will age beautifully. Wait until 2030. ~ (100) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 12-30-2025

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan has turned out beautifully, bursting with aromas of blackberries and mulberries mingled with notions of iris, licorice and burning embers. Medium- to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an elegantly unctuous attack that segues into a rich and succulent mid-palate, it's a suave, seamless classic that will enjoy a wide drinking window. The 2023 is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14% alcohol. ~ (97) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 4-9-2026

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan, which contains no Cabernet Sauvignon, has a sublime bouquet, beautifully defined, with blackberry, blueberry, graphite and light marine scents in the background. Very focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins that lend this VCC structure. Quite "cool" in style, a healthy dash of cracked black pepper furnishes the prolonged finish, where the 18% Cabernet Franc is very expressive. To quote Alexandre Thienpont, very "restrained" in the most positive sense of that word. ~ (96) Neal Martin, Vinous 2-12-2026

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is wonderfully complex and dynamic in the glass. The layers here are just remarkable. That sort of dimension is one of the qualities that was hard to come by in 2023. Dark blue-toned fruit, lavender, scorched earth, new leather and menthol soar, lending tons of vertical, explosive energy. Floral and savory overtones develop with air, adding further shades of nuance. What a gorgeous and complete wine this is. ~ (98) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 3-12-2026

Fresh floral heights to the aromatics, then dark berry fruits and a core of muscles of the palate, classically-weighted with grip and texture, white pepper spice and salted cracker salinity on the finish. Stretches out through the palate, feels gloriously old school, full of hidden depths and pleasures. 43hl/h yield, harvest September 18 through to 29. Youngest vines here are 1988, which helps give the complexity that is so celebrated at VCC. ~ (96) Jane Anson, Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux 4-22-2024

Fresh, floral and complex. Sweet start then suave and smooth, the fruit crunchy and juicy. Ripe, fine tannic frame. Not the overt power of 2022 but structured and ageworthy all the same. ~ (17.5) James Lawther, JancisRobinson.com 4-23-2024

Not harvested until after the rains in the middle of September, the 2023 Vieux Château Certan is based on 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in roughly 60% new oak. It's another ripe, medium to full-bodied, aristocratic, beautifully textured Pomerol that has ample black cherry, mulberry, chocolate, and tobacco-like aromatics, medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, and ripe tannins, as well as a certain salinity on the finish. Checking in at 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.74, it should surpass the 2014 and is a beautiful, elegant, classic wine that every reader would love to have in their cellar. ~ (98) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 5-8-2024