A blooming bouquet backed by a splendid core of multi-faceted fruit give this real class, which Left Bank wines often lacked in 2012. The highest proportion of Merlot (87%) since the 1985 vintage, which third-generation owner Alexandre Thienpont described as a 'glass of perfume'. Still improving.

The 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is absolutely brilliant, but it shows a more Cabernet Franc-dominated style in its pure cassis, spring flower, graphite, green tobacco, and lead pencil-like aromas and flavors. These carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a focused, pure, precise mouthfeel carrying ultra-fine tannins, remarkable purity, and a rare mix of freshness, elegance, and persistence. Where current vintages are more about incredible opulence without any sensation of weight, this is more about fineness, purity, and precision. It's a sensational Pomerol that is just now in its early prime drinking window and has another two decades of longevity.

Slightly leafy on the nose, showing eucalyptus leaves, earthy minerality, mushrooms and leather. Yet there's a fresh note of anise, too. Classic vintage here, with silky, relatively lighter tannins, medium body and a slightly more rustic finish, though enriched with dark-chocolate and cold-coffee details. Drinkable now, but will last for at least another decade.

Unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage, the 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is pure class. So many Pomerols speak to power in 2012, but VCC is all finesse. Forward and open-knit with that classic sense of translucent beauty that is the most identifiable attribute of VCC, the 2012 is simply magnificent. Veins of minerality give the wine its precision and energy, while lifted notes of sage, lavender, mint and tobacco captivate all the senses. The blend is 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Readers who can find the 2012 should not hesitate, as it is super

The 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan has a potent, smoke, cooked meat, Cabernet Franc-scented bouquet that is beautifully defined- quintessentially Pomerol. You want typicite? Come right here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite gentle as it sashays across the mouth. The acidity is very well judged and leads to an elegant tobacco tinged finish. Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont have produced one of the finest wines of the Right Bank in 2012, one that is up there with the greats.

This wine is already so delicious, it's initially hard to find the structure. Packed with black fruits, it has velvet tannins that only slowly reveal their power. Layers of generous Merlot give the ripest black plum flavors. The wine is rich and the tannins well integrated, yet everything will age well.