1997Data sheet

A very early start for growth, heterogeneous budding, the month of August marked by tropical humidity…

1997, a year of great danger for grapes, and for the wine? Certainly. Therefore, I decided to harvest from the 6th September with orders for the pickers to select only the finest grapes!

The grapes, of excellent quality were vinified by variety, taking into account the age of the vines and the nature of the soil. After three weeks of fermentation they were then matured for eighteen months in new oak barrels. For the preparation of the cuvee we chose a balance of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine simply fined with fresh egg whites and no filtration was bottled in April 1999.

Vieux Château Certan 1997 is the reflection of the patient work of the vine grower: a vintage that can be compared with the crus of 1985 and 1994 in terms of structure, finesse and tannin…

It is above all, an original wine, with a precocious charm that you will appreciate, after decanting, a beautiful ruby colour, aromatic wealth dominated by raspberry and violet, intense fruits.

Once again, this vintage is witness to my desire to create exceptional wine that will reach maturity between 2005 and 2007.

Alexandre Thienpont