1946 Vieux Chateau Certan
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Tasting notes
Jacques Thienpont’s birth year and the last bottle known to the Thienponts. ‘It was hard being sandwiched between two great vintages as 1945 and 1947 and Broadbent cites 1946 as an odd rather than an off year, citing a plague of locusts that ravaged the vines. Cold winter, dry spring, rain daily from May to June which delayed flowering. Fairly hot summer. First half of September cold and wet, second half better. Quality variable. Not often seen.’ Amazingly healthy crimson. Looked darker than some of the wines from the 21st century. A real surprise, given this vintage’s reputation! Fresh, lively nose and evidence of fruit still there on the palate. A little severe but definitely recommendable for those born in 1946. Not long but definitely alive. With time in the glass it took on a buttery aroma. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1946 Vieux Château Certan is an extremely rare vintage. In fact, this was the last bottle from Thienpont's cellar. It was opened because, despite it being a wretched growing season, this is Jacques Thienpont's birth year. It's not a terrible Pomerol. It's healthy in color with light bricking on the rim. The nose is a bit musty and mothball-y, like a dusty attic filled with antique furniture and light whiffs of tobacco. The palate commenced with a vestige of sour cherry, a bit green around the gills. If you have to accuse this 1946 of anything, it is being one-dimensional. That said, it does pep up with some aeration in the glass. It will be the only time that I ever drink this. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove.
About the producer
The original Château at Vieux Château Certan dates back to around 1770 but the modern history of the estate begins in 1924 - the year that Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont purchased the property.