Join Linden for this vertical tasting dinner focusing on the wines of one of his favourite Pomerol – Vieux Château Certan. Stylistically he finds “VCC” somewhere near the heady fragrance and complexity of Cheval Blanc and Lafleur, and with an emphasis more on elegance and ‘digestibility’ than on power. It can be heady, but it is almost always an elegant wine. In a way it reflects its understated owners as much as its old vines, great terroir, and blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. 2024 will mark one century in the hands of the Thienpont family – today managed by father Alexandre and son Guillaume – VCC is in good hands. There is no showmanship here, just a quiet dedication to the utmost quality.

Indeed, in the past decade or so, VCC seems to have reached some sort of zenith in quality, with a string of outstanding vintages. It was his wine of the year in the 2014 vintage, 3^rd place in the 2015 vintage, 2^nd place in the 2018 vintage, 1^st in the 2021 vintage, during primeur tastings. There was, Linden thinks, a bit of a lacklustre period here in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s – it didn’t really grab his attention until the 1998 vintage.

But let’s see for ourselves. Vertical tastings allow us to discern the personality of a château, its response to different vintage conditions, as well as the way it ages in the cellar.

Menu

STUZZICHINO DELLO CHEF
Chef Amuse Bouche

2019, 2018, 2015 Vieux Chateau Certan

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PATE DI FEGATINI CON COMPOSTA DI CIPOLLE
Chicken & Duck Liver Pate, Roasted Onion, Toasted Bread, Jam

2005, 2009, 2010 Vieux Chateau Certan

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PASTA AI GAMBERI ROSSI E SUGO DI N’DUJIA
Gragnano Pasta , Sicilian Red Prawn, N’Duja, Tomato Sauce

2014, 2011, 2001 Vieux Chateau Certan

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ARROSTO DI VITELLO CON FUNGHI
Roasted milk-fed Veal, Mushroom, Creamed Potato

2000, 1998, 1982, 1978 Vieux Chateau Certan

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SELEZIONE DELLO CHEF DI FORMAGGI
Chef Selection of Cheese Platter