Palate
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.
Growing Conditions
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.
Harvest
Harvest preparation and sorting of the bunches on the vines: 27th July to 4th August
Harvesting: 6th and 7th September, then from 14th to 20th September
Yield: 37 hectolitres per hectare
Bottling
16th to 24th May 2013
Winemaking
The small berries, rich in tannins and anthocyanins, were sorted with meticulous care.
After a gentle extraction and three weeks in contact with the skins, the wine was aged.
Aging
Aged in barrels, three quarters of which were new.
Appearance
The 2011 Vieux Château Certan is deep-flavoured, deep-coloured and concentrated.
