A top success, the 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is composed of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep mulberry, plum and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with touches of graphite and subtle smoke lead to a medium-bodied wine with beautiful intensity, well-integrated oak, a velvety opulence and a long, impressively pure finish. A strong effort, it should drink well for 15 or more years. 92-94 points

The cru’s tactile feel does work its magic once again, if with an unexpected hint of green. Moderate length. Yield. 33hl/ha; 60% selected for the grand vin. One of the smallest yields in the past 20 years. 89-90 points

Alexandre Thienpont describes the Merlot in his 2012 as “simple”, saying that it needs the Cabernet Franc for complexity and palate length, but I think he’s being too hard on his own wine. This isn’t another 2010 VCC, but it’s still a delight. perfumed, grassy and supple with bramble and green pepper notes, silky tannins and well hand led oak. A château enjoying a rich vein of form. 95 points

This is a Merlot year for Alexandre and his son Guillaume. the 2012 a blend o 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and just 1% Cabernet Sauvignon (the latter due to a parcel being replanted at the moment.) The nose is very well defined and lively, real “energy” coming from the glass. There are crisp scents of blackcurrant, wild strawberry and a tangible stoniness – very expressive of its terroir. The palate is superb. real tension and purity here, crisp acidity, tensile tannins that lend this VCC edginess and race. The fruit is black rather than red with a sense of poise and superbly assimilated oak on the nervous finish. What a great Pomerol for the vintage! 95-97 points