2011Data sheet

After cool, dry weather during winter, with no excessive cold snaps, summer-like weather then settled in from April.  At the end of May, the flowering went perfectly and a fine, dry summer followed without any lengthy spells of very high temperatures. This all added up to an early harvest and the production of a very balanced wine at a reasonable level of alcohol.  

The small berries, rich in tannins and anthocyanins, were sorted with meticulous care.  The 2011 Vieux Château Certan is deep-flavoured, deep-coloured and concentrated.

Merlot provided great finesse, body and pedigree, but the Cabernet Franc, with its wonderful complexity, ripeness, density and lovely length, gave the character to this vintage.

With the nature of its blend and its tannic balance, the 2011 Vieux Château Certan puts us in mind of the excellent 1983 and 1988 vintages, which were renowned for their long-ageing character. 

After a gentle extraction and three weeks in contact with the skins, the wine was aged in barrels, three quarters of which were new.

"This vintage can be enjoyed as from seven to ten years, but it will continue to develop well for twenty years or so more."