Ratings & Tasting Notes
Decanter (94/100)
“Dark fragrant berries, a touch of perfume to this with some herbal accents. Smooth and clean, this is engaging from the first sip. Pretty yet powerful too, you get the mouth-filling density straight away – a delicious plushness. Different to the more focused and straight versions around, this has punch but still with a delicacy of tannins. Juicy, charming, playful, filling in the best way for a ‘second’ easy-accessible wine. This is just great.”
Jeb Dunnuck (93/100)
“The second wine of this benchmark Pomerol estate, the 2023 La Gravette De Certan is selected from the property’s younger vines and was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. Classic Pomerol notes of black cherry, chocolaty herbs, graphite, and spicy tobacco all shine through. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a ripe, rounded mouthfeel, ripe tannins, ample mid-palate depth, and sweet tannins. This charming, delicious, sexy second wine will drink beautifully for 15 years or more. Roughly 1,667 cases were produced. Drink 2026–2040.”
Yves Beck (93/100)
“The interplay of black- and red-berry nuances highlights freshness, complexity and detail. Generous on the attack, the wine shows substance, breadth and charm. Supported by fleshy tannins and a structuring freshness, it is imposing while staying true to freshness and subtlety. Youthful, expressive and inviting, it also asserts its ability to deliver power, even if it does not (yet) quite have the framework to fully do so. Note that this wine comes from VCC’s young vines—its potential and ambitions are easy to understand!”
The Smoothness and Balance of a Pomerol Second Wine
The estate
Vieux Château Certan is one of the oldest and most prestigious estates on the Pomerol terroir, acquired more than a century ago by the grandfather of Alexandre Thienpont, the estate’s current owner.
The vineyard
Covering a single 14-hectare plot, the Vieux Certan vineyard benefits from fertile soils and meticulous care, producing Pomerol wines renowned for their aromatic finesse and elegance.
The wine
La Gravette is the estate’s second wine.
Vinification and aging
Maceration lasts between 21 and 28 days. Vinification in wooden vats, with pump-overs. Aged for 18 months in barrels, 50% of which are new.
Blend
Merlot (100%).
