Château Vieux Château Certan 2025 is one of Pomerol’s most captivating wines of the vintage, combining purity, finesse, and remarkable textural elegance. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it reveals expressive layers of blackberry, black cherry, violet, graphite, spice, and subtle mineral notes, framed by silky, cashmere-like tannins and exceptional freshness. Produced from the estate’s renowned clay and gravel terroir, the 2025 vintage balances concentration and sensual richness with precision and lift. Its velvety texture, savoury complexity, and long mineral-driven finish showcase the timeless sophistication that defines Vieux Château Certan.

James Suckling | JS 99
Published: May 1, 2026

Subtle and pure, with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, pencil shavings and touches of raspberries, flowers, oyster shells and iodine. Medium-bodied with subtle and integrated tannins that run the length of the wine and make you want to drink it. The length and finesse are sublime. A mineral, stone and light cement texture. It grows beautiful in the great finish. 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.

Decanter | D 98
Published: Apr 1, 2026
Drink: 2034-2052

An outstanding VCC this year and one of the picks of Pomerol. Deep aromatics of dark black fruit that stays cool with some liquorice and cola, plus a soft floral fragrance and chocolate creaminess. Inky and really vibrant colour in the glass. Smooth and supple, both creamy and chalky with black fruit and a heady savoury spiced aspect. I love the stickiness – there’s a chew but it remains cool and lifted, nothing heavy, more comforting like a big hug – velvety, charming and almost sensuous. Acidity doesn't stick out, the focus is on complexity and remarkable texture with ripe tannins. Density is there yet it doesn't feel heavy. Ends so cool with lots of cola, a touch of iron and stones, fresh mint and savoury herbaceousness. Absolutely beautiful, hedonistic and so long. 3.75pH. A yield of 22hl/ha. Ageing two thirds new oak, one third one-year-old barrels.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94-96
Published: Apr 30, 2026

Bursting with aromas of violets, crème de cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak, the 2025 Vieux Château Certan is medium- to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with a sun-kissed core of fruit, ripe acids and a dense, unctuous palate, concluding with a heady finish. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is quite serious and structured, with sweet tannin, and it checks in at 14% alcohol.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17.5
Published: Apr 21, 2026
Drink: 2035-2055

80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 22 hl/ha. Cask sample.
Fragrant and floral, the Cabernet amplifying the aroma. Tannins abundant but like cashmere in texture. Lively and invigorating with plenty of energy. (JL)

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Technical Specs

Brand: Vieux Château Certan
Producer: Vieux Château Certan
Wine Name: Vieux Château Certan Pomerol
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux, Pomerol
Vintage: 2025
Grape Varieties: 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Ageing: Aged in French oak barrels, approximately two-thirds new oak and one-third one-year-old barrels.
Availability: En Primeur
Estimated Delivery: Q3 2028

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Serving Suggestion: Serve at 16–18°C in a large Bordeaux-style wine glass. Once bottled and ready to drink, decant for approximately 1.5–2 hours to allow the wine's dark fruit, floral aromas and mineral complexity to develop.
Decanting Time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours before serving when mature enough to enjoy.
Food Pairing:  Pairs beautifully with grilled beef tenderloin, roast lamb, braised short ribs, duck breast, venison and mature hard cheeses. Its concentrated black fruit, refined tannins and savoury spice complement rich meats and elegant, flavourful dishes.