From winter to the end of March, the first part of the 2021 growing season was marked by mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, which brought about a fast budding of the vines.
Once the threat of April frosts had passed, a full flowering and a managed healthy vine canopy from spring till the beginning of summer ensured that solid foundations for the vintage had been laid down.The summer continued in temperate and frequently wet weather
conditions up till the middle of August.Four glorious weeks of hot, dry and sunny weather then set in.
Thank to these favourable conditions, the Merlot was superbly balanced, supple and perfumed. It brings uplift and roundness to the blend.The Cabernet Franc displayed aromatic intensity and its hallmark character. It shows delicacy, length of flavour and breed and gives a shimmering aspect to the wine.
Finally, the Cabernet Sauvignon, brings a floral finishing touch and added structure.
The 2021 Vieux Château Certan offers multiple facets: it shows a balance between freshness and roundness, fruit character and length of flavour.
Harvest | from 24th September to 6th October 2021. |
Yield | 38 hectolitres per hectare. |
Blend | 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
Alcoholic degree | 13.5 % / vol. |
Bottling | from 22nd to 31st May 2023. |
"The first bottles may be enjoyed between 2028 and 2031, while the rest could be kept another fifteen years or more."
Alexandre & Guillaume Thienpont