Vieux Chateau Certan 1988 (6.0L)

91 JS / 17.5 JR

I stopped at 2020 Wine Company in Los Angeles a few days ago and owner Bob Golbahar pulled the cork on this aged Pomerol. We weren't expecting much as 1988 is not considered at the same quality level for Right Bank wines as 1990 or 1989. But this bottle turned out to be outstanding quality. It started out with a weedy and earthy character but then turned rich and ripe with sweet plummy fruit character. It was medium body with silky tannins and a long and fresh finish. It's a forgotten vintage from VCC. Decanter 30 minutes before serving.-James Suckling

Dark crimson. Intense, upright, savoury. Luscious and with just an edge of decay – is this 1988 asserting itself? Dry finish. But lots of muscle. Firm and has lasted well. Slightly salty and definitely dusty. Sweet start and then dusty. -Jancis Robinson