Vieux Chateau Certan 2005

JAMES SUCKLING: "This begins with a sexy roasted fruit character on the nose, then opens up to hints of spice, chocolate, wet earth, and dried flowers. The palate is incredible, with a concentration that builds, and a finish that remains agile and racy. Very defined and beautiful wine with great length and freshness. This still needs some time in the bottle. Pull the cork in 2018."

WEINWISSER: "Leuchtendes Rubin-Granat. Reifes, aromatisches Bouquet, gewisse Strenge vom dezent trockenen Cabernet, Mokkanoten, Backpflaumen. Im Gaumen fest, fleischig und stoffig zugleich, Lakritze im Extrakt, Arabica-Kaffeenoten, komprimiert, muss aufgrund des Potenzials noch auf die Pomerol-Fülle warten, langes Rückaroma. Erste Genussreife? Noch weit weg!"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Silky, lush, polished and fresh, the wine is starting to take on secondary qualities with its truffle, rose, dark chocolate, earth, cherry, smoke and licorice essences. The tannins are so ripe now, you can drink this today, else, wait another 5 years for even more development."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A stunning effort from Alexander Thienpont, the 2005 Vieux Chateau Certan (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) reveals an inky/blue/purple color along with a rich, sumptuous perfume of black olives, lavender, roasted herbs, licorice, pain grille, and oodles of truffles as well as creme de cassis. In the mouth, hints of chocolate and charcoal also make an appearance along with good acidity, fabulous purity, and a full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel. In keeping with the style of this terroir, the wine is reserved and restrained, but deep. It should develop magnificently, and age for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Sleek and refined, without the obvious tannic spine of the vintage, but loaded with smoldering tobacco, bay leaf and alder notes, melded fully with the core of black currant and blackberry fruit. The structure is defined by length and cut rather than sheer force.—Blind ´01/´03/´05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2035. 4,165 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Fragrant, almost soapy nose. Lively, more transparent than most. A delicate touch. Great balance, with the fruit in tune with the tannin. Appetising. Classic style.."