2001 was a vintage that very much suited Pomerol, and the Merlot here takes precedence over the Cabernet Franc, expanding sideways, juicy and smiling. This is a show stopper of a wine, from the very first moment that you pour it. Concentrated and powerful, it gathers pace through the palate with flavours of truffle, cinnamon, toasted almonds, rich plum and damson. The texture is of cashmere and silk, the fruit palate varied and balanced. You can open it now, but there's no rush, even at close to 18 years on.

I've found a number of 2000s finally overtaking the 2001s this year, after a long time when the 2001 vintage was clearly showing better. But there are still moments when 2001 reigns, and this Vieux Château Certan is a case in point. Slowly unrolls, gathering in power as it goes, blackberry, damson and raspberry fruits, together with truffle, toasted almonds, tobacco leaf, ash. A great moment to open and enjoy this wine, made for sharing.

Stunning bramble-fruit definition, with leathery and meaty complexity, as well as notes of clove and some earthy minerality, restrained dark chocolate and dried eucalyptus leaf. Full body with dense, velvety tannins and crisp acidity. Impressive power with grace here, and an amazing finish. Drinkable now, but will last for decades.

(19/20) Magnum of gloriousness. Wonderfully fresh and lively still. Lifted nose with real drive. Masses of ripe Merlot character. Such elegance! Char, tar and polish. The wine was served in Zalto glasses and there seemed to be such a contrast between the delicacy of these wafer-thin glasses and the massive opulence and richness of this great wine.

The 2001 Vieux Château Certan has long been my preferred vintage compared to the millennial. This veers much more towards red fruit, hints of truffle and morels, and is more sensual than the 2000. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fresh and vivacious with a mineral core absent from the 2000. It is tensile and linear towards the finish. To use a word I utilized last time, there is athleticism in this wonderful Pomerol that has a long future ahead. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. -- Neal Martin

Tasted at the Bipin Desai’s VCC vertical in Los Angeles. Juxtaposing this against the millennial VCC, this actually has more precision and clarity on the nose (something of a trait with Pomerol ‘01s.) Blueberries, cassis, violets, limestone and a hint of tar – it is an enticing bouquet. The palate does not disappoint with blackberry, black olive, wonderful definition with great mineralite and poise. A feminine foil to the ‘00, this is an exquisite wine that will drink earlier than others but has the balance and depth to suggest it will be a long runner. For now, it is just completing its first lap. Drink 2012-2030+.

Very subtle aromas of blackberries, chocolate and plums follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. An excellent wine with great intensity for the vintage. Very long indeed. Winemaker and part-owner Alexandre Thienpont is a master. Best after 2009. 4,000 cases made. –JS

45 minutes of air really brought out the floral, truffle and cherry elements. Medium/full bodied, soft, elegant and with loads of fresh, sweet, ripe, earthy fruits, this is still quite the charmer. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2001&wine=Vieux%20Chateau%20Certan

A brilliant effort from Alexandre Thienpont, this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc is a deep purple-colored, fleshy, layered effort offering a sweet nose of creosote, incense, Christmas spices, plenty of red and black fruits, and hints of licorice as well as new oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with tremendous purity in addition to nobility, give it two more years of cellaring and drink it over the next following 15-18 years. - Robert Parker