Pomerol was the appellation of the vintage in 1999, and right now is an excellent moment to be drinking this though I would be in no rush to drink up. Still full of nuanced aromatics and supple brushed-down tannins, while showing the tertiary Pomerol complexity of truffles, cedar, mushroom, raspberry coulis and woodsmoke. It has a deep rich colour also, suggesting there is a long life ahead. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2035
Tasted by: Jane Anson (at Bordeaux, 03 Nov 2020)
Part of Anson: Taking advantage of Bordeaux's 'off vintages'

This 1999 is deep ruby/purple-colored, with a striking perfume of black cherries, truffles, cedar, and vanilla. This layered, opulently-textured wine displays extraordinary purity, elegance, and finesse. It is a classic Bordeaux with superb palate presence that builds incrementally on the palate. The finish is long, with plenty of sweet tannin. Very impressive! Three thousand cases of the 1999 were made from a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Last year it seemed to reveal an element of dilution, but as always, the truth is in the bottle, and presently there is no evidence of lightness or liquidity.

The 1999 Vieux Château Certan, a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a vintage that I have not tasted for a few years. It has an intriguing nose, difficult to fathom out at the beginning, with noticeable algae-like notes that tinge the predominantly black fruit. These aromatics need time to coalesce and eventually offer a discreet peppermint scent. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, almost powdery tannin, but plenty of freshness. Secondary notes of leather and black pepper, cedar and sage begin to dictate the second half, and the long, peppery finish leaves you eager for another sip. While there is something conservative about this VCC – which, incidentally, you would swear contains more than 5% Cabernet Sauvignon – it has ample tension and energy and should offer another decade of drinking pleasure. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.

Light, bright and ready to drink, the wine is on the spicy, fresh, red plum and berry, medium bodied, side of the style range. Cherries, herbs and spice are found in the delicate finish. This is not a wine to cellar for ages. I'd drink it by the end of the decade, before it hits its 20th birthday. Dec 2012