The 1988 is a classic Vieux-Chateau-Certan. The huge bouquet of cassis, herbs, and new oak is followed by a wine that is medium-bodied, with deep, black-cherry flavors wrapped intelligently in toasty oak. Extracted, deep, yet impeccably balanced, this well-delineated Pomerol should age well for 20-25 years. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2010.

The 1988 Vieux Chateau Certan is a vintage that I have not tasted often, something I rue even more having been reacquainted with it. To be honest, for the first five minutes it felt overawed by the 1989. However, it soon gets its act together to deliver and gorgeous nose of black fruit, melted tar and cigar box, unashamedly classic in style, less sensual than the succeeding two vintages and yet extremely well defined. The palate is well balanced with fine tannin, perfectly judged acidity, tobacco and cedar dominating the second half and yet there remains more than enough freshness and length to urge you back for another sip. Superb. Tasted at the VCC dinner with François Thienpont, hosted by Wine Source in London. May 2018

I stopped at 2020 Wine Company in Los Angeles a few days ago and owner Bob Golbahar pulled the cork on this aged Pomerol. We weren't expecting much as 1988 is not considered at the same quality level for Right Bank wines as 1990 or 1989. But this bottle turned out to be outstanding quality. It started out with a weedy and earthy character but then turned rich and ripe with sweet plummy fruit character. It was medium body with silky tannins and a long and fresh finish. It's a forgotten vintage from VCC. Decanter 30 minutes before serving. June 2016

One of my favorite wine from this chateau, as well as from a vintage that remains somewhat underrated. Sweet black fruits intermixed with earth, charcoal, licorice and compost jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, deep, beautifully extracted Pomerol that has a real Medoc structure to it. The wine is sweet, relatively evolved, and just beginning to enter its plateau of full maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 1/02.

Fully mature, medium-bodied, firm, leaning to the austere side of the style range, with a crisp, bright, red berry character with leafy, green herb and peppery accents along with truffle and tobacco nuances. Lovers of very classic Bordeaux will like this more than I did. Tasted Sept 2021

A bit simple for this château but still a good red. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and chocolate and berry flavors.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal.

Dark crimson. Intense, upright, savoury. Luscious and with just an edge of decay – is this 1988 asserting itself? Dry finish. But lots of muscle. Firm and has lasted well. Slightly salty and definitely dusty. Sweet start and then dusty. JR May 2015