2017 La Gravette de Certan, Pomerol

La Gravette de Certan is the second wine of Vieux Château Certan, a historic estate in the Pomerol appellation owned by the Thienpont family since 1924. This wine is made from the property's younger vines, which are situated on a plateau of gravel, clay, and iron-rich soils, and is produced as a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. In the glass, it shows expressive notes of dark berry preserves, violets, and a touch of savory spice, framed by a medium-bodied structure and refined tannins. While 2017 was a year marked by spring frosts that limited yields across the region, the resulting fruit produced a wine with notable freshness and aromatic clarity. This is an approachable, balanced selection that is ready to enjoy now but will also continue to evolve over the next decade.