🏰 The 1998 vintage was exceptional for Bordeaux's Right Bank, with Pomerol and St. Emilion particularly excelling. This year was an anomaly for Vieux Château Certan, as the blend notably excluded Cabernet Franc, consisting of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A hot, dry summer led to a less bountiful harvest, yet the efforts of Alexandre Thienpont since 1998 have consistently resulted in high-quality wines. This wine presents a dense purple colour. The nose is a complex tapestry of chocolate fudge, truffle, black cherry, mint, jammy blackberries, and caramel-coated candied apples. Further aromas include dark cherries, ripe plums, violets, earthy truffles, cassis, cigar box, cedar, and spice, alongside graphite, forest floor, coffee, mushroom, and a hint of mint. On the palate, it is rich, thick, and voluptuous, offering satin and velvet textures. Expect luscious fruit, silky tannins, and an exquisitely measured acidity, leading to a full-bodied, seamless experience with flavours of cherries, spice, black raspberries, and a slight earthiness. This wine is still young and promises further improvement with age, with an anticipated maturity window of 2008-2030. 🥂 This magnificent wine, now in its early maturity, is perfect for a special dinner or a discerning tasting with fellow connoisseurs. It also represents a covetable choice for investment among aficionados and collectors. 🍴 For food pairings, it is excellent with grilled portobellos and rice, as well as classic dishes featuring beef and venison. 【A hedonist delight with satin and velvet textures, from a great Right Bank vintage】