Wines Pomerol Château Vieux Château Certan - 1990

Viniou Reviews

Château Vieux Château Certan 1990 is a superb expression of Pomerol, a legendary right-bank Bordeaux appellation. This wine, made predominantly from Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, highlights the excellence of the 1990 vintage, renowned for its balanced ripeness and ageing potential. On the nose, it typically reveals sumptuous aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, truffle, leather, and a subtle touch of cedar, while the palate exudes finesse with velvety tannins, profound depth, and remarkable elegance. The gravel and clay-rich soils of the estate impart beautiful structure and allow the Merlot to reach exquisite maturity, contributing to the wine’s sensual, fleshy character.

Pomerol is one of the most prestigious and sought-after appellations in Bordeaux despite its small size. The region is characterised by a temperate maritime climate that ensures optimal growing conditions and slow, even ripening of the grapes. The unique soils, where gravel meets deep blue clay known as "crasse de fer," impart complexity and legendary silkiness to the wines. Château Vieux Château Certan, established in the 18th century, is a benchmark estate in Pomerol, consistently recognised for its traditional winemaking and meticulous attention to detail that result in wines capable of graceful evolution over decades.

To complement the opulence and refinement of this 1990 Pomerol, consider pairing it with classic French dishes like duck breast with truffle, tournedos Rossini, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder in a red wine reduction. Traditional regional cuisine such as Bordeaux-style entrecôte, mushrooms sautéed in butter, or a simple slab of aged Comté will also showcase its depth and class.

For optimum enjoyment, serve Château Vieux Château Certan 1990 at 17-18°C. Decanting for an hour before service will help the wine to open and reveal its full aromatic complexity. This mature Pomerol promises a truly memorable tasting experience for discerning wine lovers.