Vieux Chateau Certan 2002 (6.0L)

93 RP / 92 JS / 91 VM

A terrific effort, this classic blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of cedar, spice box, black cherries, and cassis. With impressive purity, medium body, moderate tannin, and a long finish (40 plus seconds), it will be at its finest between 2008-2018. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Aromas of sweet plums and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with firm tannins and a solid core of fruit. This is very tightly knit and needs to unravel with bottle age. Turns big and chewy with air. This has excellent potential. - James Suckling

Good full red. Expressive aromas of mocha, game, tobacco and smoke. Moderately sweet and dense, with a supple texture for the year. And yet the wine's underlying minerality gives it a firmness and contributes to the impression of vinosity. Finishes with excellent length and no dryness. I'd give this three to five years of aging before pulling the cork. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media