Gravette De Certan 2020 (3.0L)

Gravette de Certan is the second wine of Vieux Chateau Certan

2020 Vieux Chateau Certan: 98-100 WA / 98-99 JS / 97-99 JD / 96-98 VM

Situated in the heart of the Pomerol plateau, with Petrus, Lafeur and Le Pin just a stone's throw away, Vieux Chateau Certan produces one the of the most highly regarded and sought after wines in the world. As you would expect from a top Pomerol, the prices can be quite lofty and therefore out of reach of many Bordeaux lovers. The 2020 vintage of VCC was universally praised by the critics, earning three near-perfect scores. Released one year after the Grand Vin, their 2nd wine, La Gravette de Certan, represents remarkable value at about a fifth of the price!

We think La Gravette is one of the best “second” wines in Bordeaux. Calling it a “second” wine is actually doing it a huge disservice. The wine is made with all the same loving care and attention as the Grand Vin, but comes from younger vines and typically drinks well at an earlier stage. Yet it will still develop wonderful complexity and can be aged for a great many years. The 2020 is a blend of 85% merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in 50% new oak and just bottled at the end of June this year.

One of the best rules to follow, especially in Bordeaux, is to buy 2nd wines from the best properties in great vintages. We encourage you to follow that rule!