La Gravette de Certan 2015 (750ML)

94 Points, Zachys Buying Team: "Tasted three times. This is another one of those examples where the critics are being too critical in rating a second wine. It is a bottle that is so much more than a mere "second wine" and is certainly more unique and interesting than many first labels in Pomerol. The Second Label of the iconic Pomerol producer Vieux Château Certan is the La Gravette de Certan, named after a parcel of vines bought by the Thienpont family back in 1946. The quality at Vieux Château Certan has improved so much over the past decade that Robert Parker previously posted this quote from Alexandre Thienpont "La Gravette de Certan is better in 2010 than many of the vintages of Vieux Château Certan produced in the 1970s." The even better news here is that the 2015 follows where the 2010 and 2014 left off. Sure there is the inviting layer of Pomerol's signature silky and seductive dark fruit, but there is also tongue staining red fruit, persistence, and depth here. Expect to find notes of succulent black cherries, raspberries, mulberries, plums, crushed violets, licorice, matched with hints of earth, eucalyptus, tobacco and a touch of salinity. Just 1,500 cases of this difficult to find wine are produced with Zachys carrying the largest allocation in the country. It is a wine that pleases today and offers longevity for tomorrow. Simply put, there is a lot of awesomeness to this wine." 12/18

90 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate: "This is the second wine of Vieux Château Certan, accounting for one-third of production and composed mainly of fruit from the younger vines. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 La Gravette de Certan is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with gorgeous, expressive plum preserves and blackberry pie notions on the nose with touches of powdered cinnamon, cloves, potpourri and dusty soil. Elegant, soft and pretty in the mouth, it has a spicy character and an earthy/savory finish." 4/18

92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 La Gravette de Certan is a stellar second wine that shows just how fabulous the vintage is in Pomerol. Inky plum, blueberry, mint, lavender and spice notes give the Gravette its dark, sumptuous personality. La Gravette, Vieux Château Certan's second wine, emerges mostly from the younger vines on the property. Drink it over the next 10-20 years." 2/18

94 Points, James Suckling: "So pretty on the nose with iodine, dark berries, flowers and rose petals. Full body and integrated tannins within a beautiful texture. Intense finish. Focused. Second wine of VCC. Better in 2022." 2/18

90 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Fresh and pure, with tasty cherry paste, plum and cherry preserve flavors laced with a singed vanilla note. Light anise, tobacco and violet accents line the finish. Best from 2019 through 2027. 1,000 cases made." 2018