2010 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol, Bottle (750ml)

RP100 The 2010 Vieux Château Certan is deep garnet in color, and—POW—the nose opens as a complete spice-bomb, featuring notes of fenugreek, cumin seed and cinnamon stick over a core of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blueberry pie with hints of fragrant earth and crushed stones. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is laden with layers of black and blue fruit preserves, framed by super plush tannins, finishing epically long and perfumed.

JS100 Rich yet restrained bramble fruits, which are ripe and precise (there’s 86% merlot here), together with meaty tones and less obvious cabernet franc leafiness. The attack on the palate is lush, with fine-tuned tannins, creamy weight and firm acidity. Power with grace. Youthful, with a huge potential for aging. Best from 2030, this will last for decades.