he last days of winter, mild and with little rain, favoured an early
budding, which began in late March. Once the danger of spring frosts
had passed in early April, an excellent flowering followed, and with the
vines in a perfect state of health an abundant crop was in prospect.
Summer arrived very early. The season included a series of hot, dry spells
that lasted till mid-August. A short period of rain then helped the vines
to rehydrate sufficiently to hold on till the harvest. The vines withstood
the 2022 summer weather remarkably well; throughout the season they
displayed lovely green foliage and, as the harvest neared, tiny black,
thick-skinned grapes. By early September, optimal ripeness of the fruit
had been reached, and the grapes were picked, plot by plot, over a
period of around two weeks.
On tasting, the Merlot is delicious ripe and silky and gives roundness to
the wine. The Cabernet Franc, through its minerality, length of flavour
and pedigree, contributes delicacy and spirit. Finally, the Cabernet
Sauvignon, which is perfumed and flavoursome, brings the wine a third
dimension, which is essential for the perfecting of the blend.
The old vines of Vieux Chateau Certan produced wines which
are incredibly deep-coloured, suave, concentrated and balanced.
Vieux Chateau Certan 2022, with its deep garnet hue, subtle floral aromas and a remarkable velvety texture, displays all the hallmarks of a great long-ageing wine.
Harvest | from 6th to 21st September 2022 |
Yield | 35 hectolitres / hectare |
Blend | 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Alcoholic degree | 14.5 % / Vol |
Bottling | from 3rd to 14th June 2024 |
"The first bottles may be enjoyed between 2028 and 2031, while the rest could be kept another fifteen years or more."
Alexandre & Guillaume Thienpont