Vieux Chateau Certan 2013

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "With a higher proportion of Merlot (92%) than usual, this is a round, ripe wine released at just 20% of normal production. The generous texture and tannins are well integrated into the rich fruit. It's juicy, broad and showing the typical acidity of the vintage. With its tannic structure, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2013 Vieux Château Certan has plentiful fruit on the nose considering the vintage: raspberry coulis, crushed strawberry and a touch of blackcurrant pastilles. The palate is medium-bodied and while it might not rank with the greatest VCC's of recent years in terms of complexity, there is admirable depth and purity with a crisp, almost edgy finish that leaves you wanting another sip. This comes recommended for the vintage and I suspect it will give 12-15 years of drinking pleasure."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, leichte Randaufhellung. Zart nach Brombeeren, frische Kirschen, tabakige Nuancen, ein Hauch von Edelholz. Am Gaumen eher schlank, Noten von roten Kirschen, mineralisch-salzig, leichtgewichtig und gefällig, hat Charme, schon antrinkbar."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very enticing, featuring crushed boysenberry and raspberry fruit, accented by fruitcake, black tea and bramble notes. Shows excellent length and energy for the vintage, with enough stuffing for the cellar. This has developed grip since the barrel tasting. Best from 2018 through 2028. 1,665 cases made."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is soft and silky with chocolate, orange peel and dust. Medium body, round and light tannins. Fresh finish. Drink now."

WEINWISSER: "92 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Franc. Dunkles Granat, recht satt in der Mitte, rubiner Rand. Eine Delikatesse, schwarze Kirschen, feine Kräuter, helles Malz, Darjeelingtee und Earl Grey. Im feinen, relativ langen Gaumen ist er einer der seidigsten Pomerols, mittleres Extrakt mit Brombeeren und Cassisnuancen, nicht viel Druck, aber doch sehr lange. Femininer, burgundischer VCC mit Charmepotenzial."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Mocha at first. Then juicy on the palate. Lively and just a little dry at the very end. But refreshing, elegant and harmonious in the context of this vintage."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The wine is light in color, with a nose that is already showing its secondary truffle, forest floor, fresh herbs and red fruit character. Medium bodied, soft, polished and reserved, the wine ends with sweet, ripe, light, fresh, spicy cherries. This is not a wine to hold for long term aging. Instead, it is a nice Vieux Chateau Certan to enjoy in its youth."