Nose
Beautiful aromas of ripe fruit and violets.
Palate
Its amazing balance between freshness and ripeness enable all the qualities of a great long-ageing vintage to shine through.
Growing Conditions
From winter to spring, the first half of 2018 was marked by mild temperatures and very heavy rainfall.
At the end of May, after optimal flowering, a glorious hot and dry summer set in for a long period. The water reserves that had built up over the spring enabled the vines to cope well with the severe water stress that followed in the summer.
Crop thinning and de-leafing from July 16th to 25th, and from August 1st to 9th 2018 respectively.
Harvest
Harvesting in three stages September 19th, then September 24th to 26th and finally from October 1st to 9th 2018.
Yield: 40 hectolitres per hectare.
Bottling
June 8th to June 16th 2020
Winemaking
The old vines, their vigour favourably slowed by this drought, produced wonderfully deep-coloured, concentrated and balanced wines.
The fully ripe Merlot brought all its strength to the wine and ensured a stable base at the time of blending.
The Cabernet Franc, present in its totality this year, enhanced the blend through its unctuous, velvety texture and excellent length of flavour. It contributed pedigree and complexity.
Appearance
Vieux Château Certan 2018 exhibits a deep crimson hue of rare intensity.
