Vieux Chateau Certan 2011 (3.0L)

96 WA / 96 JS / 94 WS / 93 VM / 17.5 JR

One of the stars of the vintage, the 2011 Vieux Château Certan was brilliant from barrel (I vividly remember tasting it as a student), and it is beginning to show all of that potential in bottle. Wafting from the glass with inviting aromas of mulberries, cherries, vine smoke, bitter chocolate, violets and spices, framed by a deft application of classy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with terrific concentration, powdery tannins and a long, sapid finish. Even better, this terrific wine remains notably undervalued in the market today. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

The aromas of this are so gorgeous, with blackberries, black cherries and wet earth. Full body with super-fine tannins and bright acidity. A firm, tightly structured young red with orange peel and other citrus fruit. This is so focused and straight. Try in 2018. - James Suckling

Very deep and broad for the vintage, this sports ample toast and loam notes, showing remarkable polish and heft. A core of ganache, fig, boysenberry preserves and melted licorice waits in reserve. Offers a fleshy feel through the finish, with lingering loam and maduro tobacco details. Best from 2017 through 2032. 3,500 cases made. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Good bright red-ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, cocoa, minerals and violet; very cabernet franc! Juicy, sappy and intense, with sharply delineated if still youthfully imploded flavors of floral red berries and minerals. Offers truly superb intensity and clarity, with harmonious lively acids giving the sweetly spicy red fruit flavors noteworthy penetration and cut. Highly perfumed on the long, pure finish which features lingering violet notes. This was my favorite wine of the Primeurs back in 2012 and subsequent retastings of the wine since then haven't changed my mind. - Ian D'Agata, Vinous Media

Coffee and dark fruit – a hint of torrefaction but not overripeness. Dark and elegant on the palate. Firm, compact but really fine tannins. Dry and elegant. - Jancis Robinson