

"Everyone likes barbecue, but haute cuisine needs more knowledge to appreciate."
- Alexandre Thienpont
Celebrated as one of the great growths of Pomerol, View Château Certan has long been creating wines on par with its neighbor, Château Pétrus. Heritage of the estate traces back to 1770, making it one of the eldest Bordelais producers in existence. Surrounded by powerhouses including Le Pin and Lefleur, Certan’s 35 acres are comprised of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The oak program is French, 100% new, and the grapes are hand harvested and sorted in the vineyards before being brought back to the winery. The vineyards are all on one block, meaning no room for error and difficult reaping. Currently, Certan is run by Alexandre Thienpont, son of well known Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont. Le Pin is also run and owned by the Thienponts, clearly success and fine wine runs in the family. Alexandre created sophisticated, sexy wines with fines that are also age worthy.
Vieux Château Certan 1997 is a distinguished red Bordeaux blend from Pomerol, celebrated for its elegance and complexity. This estate, owned by the Thienpont family since 1924, is situated on a unique 14-hectare plateau with a gravel and clay vineyard. The 1997 vintage, characterized by its blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, offers a medium-bodied profile with silky texture and notable finesse. Tasting notes reveal layers of plum, redcurrant, and truffle, complemented by hints of cedar and tea-leaf, presenting a sophisticated balance of fruit and earthiness. This wine is best enjoyed now with a brief decanting, showcasing the estate's commitment to quality and tradition.
$219
Wines due to arrive November-December 2025
As the #1 back-vintage retailer in the US, Benchmark Wine Group prides itself on being a trusted source for the greatest wines in the world. Their unparalleled market knowledge and exceptional service have come together to provide the most accessible cellar of rare and sought-after wines with a guarantee.
Provenance Guarantee
Phone: 707.255.3500
Fax: 707.255.3503
SMS: 707.200.4049
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Shipping Questions?
[email protected]

Copyright © 2025 Benchmark Wine Group