Vieux Château Certan - Pomerol 1990

Wine Spectator

89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe8/31/2000

Dark ruby color. Earthy, with ripe fruit and barley aromas. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a light finish. Very good but not great VCC.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

The 1990, which I previously rated several points higher, is backward and tannic, but promising. I was surprised by the severe level of harsh tannin in the wine, but I believe it is balanced out by sweet, jammy, coconut-scented, spicy, earthy, black currant and cherry fruit. The wine is full-bodied and muscular, with a tannin level that is far more pronounced than in previous tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. Last tasted 11/96

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe10/31/1994

Tasted 4 Times With Consistent Notes Deeply-colored, with a marvelously fragrant nose of herbs, berry fruit, oak, and exotic spices, the compelling 1990 Vieux-Chateau-Certan displays surprising opulence and ripeness, more unctuosity than usual as well as admirable structure and definition. The acid is lower, yet the extract level much higher in the 1990 than in the 1989. This is a superlative, medium to full-bodied, multidimensional wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2010.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1993

Wine Advocate

90-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/1992

Deeply-colored, with a marvelously fragrant nose of herbs, berry fruit, oak, and exotic spices, the 1990 Vieux-Chateau-Certan displays surprising opulence and ripeness, as well as admirable structure and definition. According to Alexandre Thienpont, proprietor of Vieux-Chateau-Certan, the acid is lower, yet the extract level is higher in the 1990 than in their successful 1989. There is plenty of chewy fruit in this medium to full-bodied, luscious wine. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2005.