We've received a small parcel of Vieux Château Certan and an up-and-coming Bordeaux property of consequence to share with you. Château Guillot-Clauzel is a tiny, family-owned plot in the heart of Pomerol It has been something of an underperformer over the last couple of decades. However, Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont of Vieux Château Certan took over management here beginning with the 2018 harvest. Sharing a team of experts with Vieux Château Certan, or VCC as it is lovingly referred to by top Bordeaux collectors, immediately has made this a property to watch. For reference for those who don't know, VCC was our second best-selling 2023 Futures release behind only Château Leoville-Barton this year with just over 100 bottles pre-sold. This is an opportunity to try the hand of the Thienpont family at just south of $100 (or in the case of the second label sub-$40!). Also scroll down for a small range of pristine Vieux-Château Certan that we have just received Ex-Château. - - BRANDON KERNE, MASTER SOMMELIER
“We have instilled precision here—everything we do at Vieux Château Certan has begun here. The terroir is very interesting, gravelly, on a slope, facing south. It has a lot of potential. The terroir is very interesting, gravelly, on a slope, facing south. It has a lot of potential.”” - Guillaume Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan
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94 Points William Kelley, Wine Advocate: "A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Guillot Clauzel has turned out beautifully. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, plums and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, elegantly layered and fleshy, with a vibrant core of fruit, polished tannins and a penetrating finish. As readers will remember, this 2.5-hectare estate has been managed by Vieux Château Certan's Guillaume Thienpont since 2018."
94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2020 Guillot-Clauzel has come together beautifully since | tasted it en primeur. Most notably, the oak (50% new) has integrated very nicely, even better than | expected to be honest. Spice, pepper, graphite and scorched earth lend an exotic, deep quality to the aromatic profile that is quite intriguing. As always, Guillot-Clauzel has a certain nerviness in its tannin that makes it a Pomerol more of structure than of seductive charm. Even so, the 2020 is quite impressive. Hints of spice, cedar and tobacco linger on the savory finish."
95-97 Points Wine Cellar Insider: "The third vintage of Guillot Clauzel with Guillaume Thienpont in charge is clearly their best yet. The wine is deep in color with a showy aromatic of chocolate, truffle, forest leaf, fresh espresso and black plums. The wine is rich, supple, silky, full-bodied, deep and sensuous. The velvety tannins, freshness, and layers of dark red fruits on the palate stay with you, expanding in the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc."
